Gary Hetherington makes clear London Broncos’ Super League ambition with name change discussed

Gary Hetherington, the new director of London Broncos, has said that he wants his new club to be ranked “Grade A as soon as possible” after he outlined the short and long-term plan for the future of rugby league in the capital.

The current Leeds Rhinos CEO will leave his position at AMT Headingley at the end of 2025, to become one of the key people involved in re-building the game in the south of England and will hopefully see the club get back to being a stable Super League side.

In an interview for the London Broncos media channels, Hetherington started by saying he has the backing of all the major people in the sport, and they all believe in the rebuild.

“It’s effectively a strategic plan for London and the south of England that’s been brought in by all the game’s key stakeholders,” he explained.

“The RFL, the rugby league commercials, IMG are all very supportive of it and they all recognise that if London can achieve its own objectives, it’s helping them to achieve some of theirs as well.”

London Broncos in a race to return to Super League

The 70-year-old has stated his excitement to work on the project and knows what benefits it can bring should the plan be successful.

He explained: “For the last 40 years while ever I’ve been involved in the sport I’ve always been a supporter of London Rugby League, and I’ve always recognised the value it can bring to the entire game.

“I have as much energy, commitment, drive and passion as I’ve always had.”

Hetherington added: “In many ways there’s no bigger challenge than London and the south of England, but there’s no better one either. And I think there’s many opportunities that are in this part of the country that need to be realised and taken advantage of.”

The exiting Leeds Rhinos chief has stated that work is in place on a potential name change for the club, although nothing is certain.

He revealed: “We may have a new name and brand, that’s currently being researched at present. We will have in many ways a new enthusiasm for the club and a new goal and a new challenge.”

Since IMG came into rugby league, off-field success is just as, if not more important than on-field success. Hetherington knows what they need to do to become a solid Super League team.

“In rugby league now, promotion and relegation are based on a grading system,” he stated, adding: “London have got the capacity to improve their grade considerably. Part of the plan is to get a Grade A status as soon as possible,” something which would guarantee the Broncos, or whatever name they change to, Super League status.