Latest news with #RugbyLeagueAshes
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Broncos bring in Australian firm to revive club
London Broncos have partnered with Australia firm Freshwater Strategy to develop a new ownership group and "catapult" the club back to the top of rugby league. Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington, who is stepping down from the Rhinos at the end of this season, is currently advising the Championship club. The Broncos will remain based at AFC Wimbledon's ground and will also re-establish an academy as part of a five-year plan to "rebrand" the club. The club lost their Super League status at the end of 2024 because of a new grading system and, in September, owner David Hughes put the club up for sale after 27 years. "Rugby league is at a significant moment both nationally and globally, and London needs to be a part of that," said Hetherington at an event at Australia House in London. "Stephen Smith, Australia's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his team recognise the importance of rugby league in terms of our links to Australia and the wider South Pacific. "And in a year when we will see the return of the Rugby League Ashes for the first time since 2003, with the first Test at Wembley on 25 October, this is the perfect time to consider how best to maximise that potential." Freshwater Strategy is a sports advisory firm and their involvement aims to turn London Broncos into a "world-class franchise under new ownership", a statement said. Broncos finished second in Super League during owner Hughes' first year at the club in 1997 and also reached the Challenge Cup final in 1999. "Freshwater's partnership with London Rugby is focused on growing sponsors and investment underpinned by NRL [National Rugby League] partnerships and an exciting and contemporary club rebrand," Freshwater director Jonathon Flegg said. "Our aspiration is to help catapult the club back into the Super League, with the strongest brand, membership, merchandise, venue, sponsorships, governance and on-field competitiveness." Broncos currently sit second bottom of the Championship, with just two wins from nine league games played this season. "There is an obvious requirement to strengthen the team for 2025 which is currently active and ongoing," said director of rugby and performance Mike Eccles. "However, it is our ambition to ensure we build not only a competitive squad for the present, but also a squad that is built largely on homegrown talent for sustained and lasting success for the future." Matt Newsum, BBC Sport rugby league reporter While this isn't the Broncos' first rodeo in terms of new ownership and grand plans, the identity of those involved in this venture definitely brings with it some credibility and the hope that this won't be just another dawn of disappointment. Gary Hetherington built Sheffield Eagles up from scratch and turned Leeds into one of the most respected rugby league clubs in the world, so he's experienced life at both ends and his expertise will be invaluable. The call to restore the academy is a key factor as it plays into the hands of a club which has thrived on producing players, and has a huge catchment area of athletic talent to draw upon across the city if they get their development strategy right. Freshwater's involvement highlights both the interest in and lure of London from the Australian perspective, and with the National Rugby League reportedly keen on investment in the league as a whole, a thriving Broncos is seen as key to both their and strategic partner IMG's hopes for the game. Having a stable base in Wimbledon might also be helpful, as the Broncos' nomadic status has perhaps been an issue in them laying down roots and establishing a fanbase.
New York Times
16-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Everton issue ‘indefinite ban' to man, 62, who stole food at first Bramley-Moore Dock test event
A 62-year-old man has received an 'indefinite ban' from attending Everton matches over a video which appeared to show him not paying for food during the first test event of the club's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. The clip, which circulated on social media, purportedly showed a man ordering food during the game on February 17, when Everton's Under-18s played against Wigan Athletic's youth team with 10,000 fans in attendance. Advertisement In the video, the man filming was brought his food by a member of catering staff. The man then asked for a 'black coffee with sugar,' and laughed when the staff member turned his back, saying 'adios amigo' and walking away with the food, seemingly without payment. In a statement on Wednesday, an Everton spokesperson confirmed the 62-year-old has been banned, saying: 'Following enquiries into a social media clip showing clear theft of food during the first test event at Everton Stadium (17 February 2025), a 62-year-old male from the Rainhill area was identified as being responsible. 'The matter was referred to Merseyside Police and the individual has been dealt with by means of an out-of-court disposal. As part of this resolution, he has agreed to make a donation equivalent to the cost of the stolen items (£12.75) to Everton in the Community. 'In line with the club's zero-tolerance approach to such behaviour, the individual has also been issued with an indefinite ban from Everton Football Club and his seasonal membership has been revoked. 'The club will continue to work with local authorities and event staff to ensure that all visitors to Everton Stadium can enjoy a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment.' The Athletic has contacted Merseyside Police for comment. Everton will move into their new 52,888-capacity stadium at the start of the 2025-26 season after 133 years at Goodison Park. Everton's U21s played against Bolton Wanderers B in the second test event in March, in front of an increased 25,000 crowd. The stadium is also set to host one match in the three-game Rugby League Ashes in October. According to Everton, general admission tickets have already sold out for the clash between England and Australia. David Moyes is set to lead Everton as they move to their new home stadium. He was appointed as manager in January for his second spell at the club, and has led them 17 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone. ()
The Guardian
28-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Doug Laughton obituary
Doug Laughton, who has died aged 80, was a member of the last Great Britain team to defeat Australia in a three-match Rugby League Ashes series in 1970. As a player he was also a two-time Challenge Cup winner. However, he is possibly better known for his post-playing coaching career and his astute eye for spotting nascent talent. In three stints as coach of his hometown club Widnes he won every trophy available, tempting a host of big-name rugby union internationals to switch codes and move to Cheshire, where his formidable team became known as 'the cup kings'. Perhaps Laughton's greatest coaching triumph came at Old Trafford in October 1989, when Widnes, playing the free-flowing style associated with all his teams, became World Club champions, overturning a 12-0 deficit to beat Canberra Raiders 30-18. That team was a microcosm of Laughton's ability to identify embryonic rugby league talent from beyond its usual geographical confines. He had spotted Martin Offiah playing in a rugby union sevens tournament for London-based Rosslyn Park, plucked him from obscurity and turned him into the most prolific English try-scoring wing of all time. Also playing in that side were the former Scottish rugby union back Alan Tait and, perhaps Laughton's finest signing, Jonathan Davies. The Welshman was his nation's incumbent fly-half and a superstar of global rugby union when Laughton stunned the sporting world by paying a record £230,000 to bring him from Llanelli to Widnes. Many questioned the wisdom of the move, but via Laughton's exemplary player-management Davies became the most successful of cross-code converts. These players, added to Widnes's established league stars, such as Tony Myler, Kurt Sorensen and the Hulme brothers David and Paul, ensured a period of dominance lasting the better part of two decades. Laughton was born in Widnes, one of five siblings. His father, Frank, was a factory worker, his mother, Margaret (nee Douglas), a homemaker. He went to Saints Fisher and More high school, where, although a keen swimmer, he became a house captain and was expected to play rugby league. He was not keen. 'I thought this game is too hard,' he told his biographer Andrew Quirke in A Dream Come True (2003), 'but my sports teacher persuaded me to keep turning up.' The teacher was farsighted. Laughton began playing with the local amateur club St Paul's and was spotted by St Helens who, in 1963, signed him for £500. Four years later Wigan paid £4,000 to take him to Central Park. There he made his mark as a tough but skilful loose-forward and also made his first Challenge Cup final appearance, Wigan losing 7-2 to Castleford in 1970. Despite the defeat, Laughton was selected for the Great Britain Lions tour to Australia. He played all three tests – scoring a try in the first – as Britain won the Ashes for the last time. When Laughton was a boy, his neighbour had been Vince Karalius, a Great Britain international and a childhood hero of Laughton's. Karalius, now Widnes coach, had long admired his former protege's abilities and enticed him to his hometown club, as captain, in 1973. It was the start of a golden era for Widnes. They won the league championship in 1978 and visited Wembley for the Challenge Cup final four times in five years, winning twice – against Warrington in 1975 and Wakefield Trinity in 1979 – by which time Laughton had become player-coach. That latter year saw him crowned 1979 Man of Steel as the sport's best player and culminated in his selection as captain on Great Britain's tour to Australia. Unfortunately, his international career would end ignominiously. The Lions were heavily defeated in the first test and Laughton was dropped for the remaining matches. It was the last of his 15 Great Britain caps. By now, though, a persistent knee injury was curtailing his playing career and he opted to focus full time on coaching. Two more Challenge Cup finals followed, the first, in 1981 against Hull Kingston Rovers, ending in victory. The Premiership trophy was also won in 1980, 1982 and 1983. After an unexpected resignation in 1983, Laughton returned in 1986 and began scouring the ranks of rugby union for both hidden and overt talent. He would make clandestine trips to Wales to run his eye over potential signings. The day Davies penned his contract, Laughton was spotted in a pub by the Llanelli chairman Norman Gale, who sensed something afoot. Laughton and the Widnes director Jim Mills beat a hasty retreat, fearing a posse of Llanelli supporters might be summoned. Meanwhile, Laughton was undeterred, also securing the signatures of the Welsh union internationals John Devereux and Paul Moriarty. Boosted by these adroit signings Widnes won two more league championships (1988 and 1989). They also won the Premiership trophy in those years, making it a hat-trick in 1990. These were his last major successes. In 1991 he was lured to big-spending Leeds, where he continued to sign famous names from union including the New Zealand international Craig Innes and the rising English star Jim Fallon, and took the club to two losing Challenge Cup finals before returning to Widnes for a third time in 1996. However, dwindling finances meant he could not replicate earlier achievements and he retired in 1997 to concentrate on his plumbing business. Laughton was married three times, his first marriage ending in divorce. His second and third wives predeceased him; he is survived by his five children. Charles Douglas Laughton, rugby league player and coach, born 13 May 1944; died 16 March 2025
BBC News
27-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Historic return of Rugby League Ashes series to be shown on BBC Sport
The Rugby League Ashes series is set to make a historic return this autumn for the first time since 2003. Rugby League fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of all three matches (25 October, 1 November and 8 November) on BBC TV Channels and iPlayer/BBC Sport website. England will face off against Australia in a thrilling best of three Test match series, hosted at three iconic venues: Wembley Stadium, Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, and AMT Headingley Leeds. This tournament promises to be a landmark event concluding the 2025 rugby league season, showcasing the best of international competition and providing an exciting preview of the talent and intensity expected at the upcoming Rugby League World Cup (Autumn 2026). Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport said: 'For the first time in a generation the historic Rugby League Ashes is back, and we'll be bringing people together to enjoy all three matches in the series live on the BBC. We added the Super League to our extensive free-to-air rights portfolio last year so it's great to add the Ashes and bring Rugby League to as many fans as possible.' Rhodri Jones, Rugby League Commercial Managing Director, said: 'This is the news we've all been waiting for - everyone in the England set-up, and tens of thousands of England Rugby League fans. We welcome back Mal Meninga and the Kangaroos to England for an Ashes series, and we have three fantastic venues which will showcase the very best of International Rugby League. 'After 22 years this is rivalry reignited that will have a truly national resonance as England look to regain the Rugby League Ashes.' BBC Sport previously secured a historic three-year broadcast partnership for the Super League and Challenge Cup. CF
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Rugby League Ashes: Australia's tour to feature Test at Everton's new stadium
Australia will tour England in the Rugby League Ashes for the first time since 2003 this autumn, with Everton's new stadium to stage one of the three Tests. The Kangaroos will take on Shaun Wane's side in three matches at Wembley, Bramley-Moore Dock and Headingley on 25 October, 1 November and 8 November, respectively. England have not faced Australia since the 2017 World Cup final, which the Kangaroos won 6-0, with Samoa shocking the hosts in the semi-finals in 2022 at the Emirates Stadium. The Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V'landys said: 'We are proud to revive one of the great rugby league traditions with the first Ashes series and Kangaroo tour of England in 22 years. The ARLC believes in the international game and the Commission was behind this historic tour to support the growth of the game in the north. 'Kangaroos tours are an iconic part of rugby league folklore and have always delivered thrilling contests. The current generation of Kangaroos players have never experienced the magic of a Kangaroos tour and I'm delighted that they will have a chance to cement their own legacy alongside the greats of the past.' Sign up to From the Pocket: AFL Weekly Jonathan Horn brings expert analysis on the week's biggest AFL stories after newsletter promotion The news comes amid turmoil at the top of the sport in this country after the former Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood returned to the governing body to lead a strategic review earlier this month.
