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London Broncos forecast huge IMG score boost and outline Super League return plan

London Broncos

London Broncos have released an end-of-season statement after placing 12th in Super League with the capital’s side projecting a huge IMG boost.

After a testing campaign back in Super League, London Broncos will be relegated back to the Championship, with the club’s IMG score far lower than the teams surrounding them.

In fact, when the preliminary grades were released in 2023 London were the lowest of all the Grade B clubs, scoring just 8.07 That was almost four whole points shy of Bradford Bulls in 14th, highlighting the impossible situation that London Broncos faced.

The club now face a whole new task with long-term investor and benefactor David Hughes ending his association with the club after 27 years leaving the Broncos calling for ‘new investment’.

That’s what they have called for in a new end-of-season update in which they have outlined the club’s status and plans moving forward, whilst also providing a plan for how and when they aim to return to Super League.

London Broncos outline plans to return to Super League

London Broncos celebrate at Plough Lane

Credit: Imago Images

London would first thank David Hughes for his 27 years with the club as they confirmed that he left the Broncos debt-free ahead of their ‘new chapter’ but that has seen them call for investment.

The statement explained: “The club is currently seeking new investment and whilst discussions have taken place with a number of parties none are at an advanced stage so we once again encourage all interested parties to come forward.

“Chief Executive Jason Loubser, Director of Rugby & Performance Mike Eccles and Rugby Administrator & Operations Dom Fenton now head up a ‘Working Group’ to lead the club in the interim period. Meanwhile, the club are currently seeking an external candidate to join the group.”

They would then move to discuss their IMG grading, confirming that it was ‘widely known that our score will see us compete in the Championship’, before announcing that they will see a 50% increase meaning that they will score at least 12 points and likely be among the top 15 clubs.

London confirmed: “It has been widely known that our score will see us compete in the Championship in 2025. Whilst this remains the case, London Broncos are delighted to announce that we will see around a 50% increase in our score, subject to RFL confirmation. This will be among the largest increases of any club.

“The club have previously expressed their frustration with the structure of the grading criteria, however, we acknowledge and accept the RFL & IMG’s vision to improve the standards of all clubs. We believe that our new score demonstrates our desire to improve across all areas and we have put together a plan with the aim of becoming a Super League club in two years under the grading system.”

London Broncos head coach Mike Eccles Super League

Credit: Imago Images

They would make further calls for investment, stating:  “Whilst we are seeking investment to take the club positively and confidently back towards Super League over the next two years off the back of a fantastic projected rise in club grading; as it stands right here and now, we must cut our cloth accordingly with the money we do have and the money we hope to generate.

“To put together the squad Mike has provisionally assembled, we will need to generate more money than ever before via merchandise and membership sales. But we are confident that with increased communication with our loyal fan base and a fresh commercial infrastructure and plan, we can continue to move forward together.”

There were also updates on the club’s work in the community, increased attendance, foundation and women’s side with London Broncos projecting a message of positivity despite their relegation.

The full statement can be read here.

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