Rugby league icon Darren Lockyer is embarking on one of his most formidable challenges yet, taking ownership of the London Broncos with a mission to finally crack the capital's resistance to the 13-a-side code.
A Tough Act to Follow: Rebuilding After Relegation
The Broncos' last campaign in the Betfred Super League during the 2024 season was a difficult one, managing just three victories from 27 matches. Their standout performance was a convincing 29-4 win over Hull FC during the Magic Weekend, a rare highlight in a year that ended with relegation. The club now finds itself in the sport's second tier, the Championship, for the 2025 season.
Lockyer, alongside business partner Grant Wechsel, acquired the club in September 2024. Initially confident of securing a place in the expanded 14-team Super League for 2026 via the IMG grading system, the Broncos fell short. This means at least one season navigating the Championship, where they will be the only fully professional operation among 20 part-time clubs.
Lockyer's Blueprint for a London Revival
Despite the setback, the pull of the Australian great and significant investment has already borne fruit. The Broncos have secured marquee signings, headlined by Australia international prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard, a player considered elite enough for Super League. They are also under the guidance of former South Sydney Rabbitohs coach Jason Demetriou.
"It's going to be a real challenge, and we understand how big a task is ahead of us," Lockyer admitted. "It's been a real eye-opener so far. People before us have learned the hard way that the hardest part is getting people in London to wake up to the game."
The club's strategy involves innovative outreach. Their season opener against Widnes Vikings will feature promotional support from former England rugby union star James Haskell and social media personality Big John. The new regime is actively targeting London's expat Australian community and plans to broadcast games to Papua New Guinea, capitalising on several PNG internationals in their squad.
Learning from History, Building for the Future
Lockyer is aware of the club's turbulent past, including the high-profile ownership by Richard Branson in the 1990s which ultimately did not lead to sustained success. He believes a new approach is key. "We think we've got some strategies and plans that make us different," he said. "We want to get people coming to the ground who perhaps don't understand rugby league, but we can attract them here in other ways and then get them hooked."
Looking ahead, the club is widely expected to be a strong candidate for Super League in 2027. "A lot of time and resource went into our Super League bid and while it was disappointing to miss out, it gives us a bigger runway to build," Lockyer explained. Before then, with their powerful squad, a deep run in the Challenge Cup is also a target.
The Broncos' potential resurgence comes at a critical time for the sport, with Super League negotiating a new broadcast deal. A strong, competitive London club at the top table would significantly boost the league's profile and commercial appeal across the UK. For Lockyer and the new-look Broncos, the ambitious journey begins in earnest this weekend.
