Australian giants in talks to buy London Broncos in deal that could keep rugby league in the capital
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NRL club Brisbane Broncos are in advanced talks over buying part of the London Broncos in a surprise move that would secure the future of professional rugby league in the capital. London were relegated after finishing bottom of Super League and put up for sale by owner David Hughes last year, leading to fears that the club would collapse.
![[Rugby players celebrating a try.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/celebrates-scoring-try-betfred-super-466347104.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Brisbane are understood to have offered a significant investment as part of a rescue package brokered by Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos. Hetherington’s involvement will send shockwaves throughout Super League, as he has been closely associated with Leeds for almost 30 years and played a key role in the most successful period in the club’s history.
![[General view of a football match at Plough Lane, Wimbledon FC's home, circa 1987.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/general-view-match-circa-1987-372957513.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The rescue package will be a major boost for rugby league at a time when Salford Red Devils are facing expulsion from Super League due to financial problems. Other investors are also involved in a deal that will involve the Broncos continuing to play home matches at AFC Wimbledon’s Cherry Record Stadiums on Plough Lane.
![[Mike Eccles, Director of Rugby & Performance for the London Broncos, looking pensive.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mike-eccles-director-rugby-performance-964957008.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Multiple sources have told SunSport that they hope it will be completed by the end of the month in time for the start of London’s Championship season, which begins with a trip to another fallen giant Bradford Bulls on 16 February. NRL bosses held talks with Super League last year about buying a stake in the European competition, but Brisbane have acted on their own in a move that will enable to promote the club in London.
