In a sensational turn of events, the London Broncos orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the Championship Grand Final, securing their promotion back to the Super League with an 18-14 victory over Toulouse Olympique. The French side had held a commanding 14-4 lead at halftime, courtesy of tries from Mathieu Jussaume and Josh Ralph, while Dean Whare managed to claw back a response for the Broncos.
However, the Broncos emerged as a rejuvenated force in the second half. The tide turned as Alex Walker and Iliess Macani stepped into the spotlight. Walker crossed the try line, and Macani’s double brought them within a mere two points of their French opponents. Corey Norman added the extra points, propelling the visitors into the lead, and they held on with tenacity to claim a memorable victory.
This triumph marks the London Broncos’ return to the Super League, ending a hiatus since their relegation on points difference in 2019. With the division’s composition for 2025 and beyond still uncertain, the Broncos have an opportunity to reestablish themselves in the top flight.
The path to this remarkable comeback was far from straightforward. Despite finishing fifth in the Championship table, the Broncos embarked on a heroic playoff journey, defeating Sheffield Eagles and table-toppers Featherstone Rovers to earn a Grand Final showdown in Toulouse.
The second-half resurgence left the home fans at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in disbelief as Toulouse suffered their first home defeat in 2023, missing out on an immediate Super League return. “What a ride,” exclaimed Broncos director of rugby and performance Mike Eccles. “We said we were going to do it and that we were happy to be away. It has been a surreal three weeks, to go to Sheffield, Featherstone, and Toulouse. I am proud of everyone. We have been through a difficult couple of years but we have found our fabric as a club.”
Key moments in the match included a knock-on from Rob Butler in the Broncos’ first set, which allowed Toulouse to strike early. Center Mathieu Jussaume capitalized on the opportunity, crossing the line, and Jake Shorrocks converted. A superb line break from Zach Santo and a try from Josh Ralph extended Toulouse’s lead to 12-0 within the first 19 minutes.
The Broncos displayed their attacking prowess when Dean Whare seized on Norman’s intelligent kick, but the conversion attempt fell short, leaving Toulouse with a 10-point lead at halftime. The Londoners’ second-half revival was ignited by Alex Walker and Macani, who showcased their clinical finishing.
Walker’s try, following a determined run that saw him fend off Paul Marcon, came just nine minutes into the second half, but Norman’s conversion attempt went wide once again. A perfectly placed pass from Norman set up Macani for his first try in the 62nd minute, and a mere seven minutes later, Walker’s deft tip-on pass allowed Whare to set up Macani for another easy score on the left.
Norman’s successful conversion extended London’s lead to four points, and the Broncos’ steadfast defense in the dying stages ensured that Toulouse remained scoreless in the second period.
The London Broncos have had a rollercoaster history in the Super League, with a lengthy tenure from 1996 to 2014. However, financial struggles and multiple ground relocations posed challenges. Their victory in the Million Pound Game in Toronto in 2018 briefly returned them to the top flight, but they were relegated back to the second tier after just one season.
Now based at Plough Lane, home to League Two football club AFC Wimbledon, the Broncos have a more stable platform to stake their claim in the Super League’s long-term future. The Rugby Football League will consider various factors, including geography, stadium facilities, potential fanbase, and engagement, before deciding which clubs will be granted top-flight licenses.
While Toulouse could have offered a local derby with Catalans Dragons and the potential for an improved TV rights deal in France, a London-based club opens up access to a broader market beyond the game’s traditional northern heartland.
Broncos chairman David Hughes expressed his hopes for the future, saying, “I just hope next season we get more fans, more support seeing the big games and the big teams. To face Wigan and Leeds is everyone’s ambition at this club.”
In a thrilling contest that defied the odds, the London Broncos have made a triumphant return to the Super League, ready to write the next chapter in their storied history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Super League Promotion
How did the London Broncos secure their promotion back to the Super League?
The London Broncos secured their promotion back to the Super League by staging a remarkable comeback in the Championship Grand Final. They defeated Toulouse Olympique with a final score of 18-14.
What was the score at halftime in the Championship Grand Final?
At halftime, Toulouse Olympique was leading with a score of 14-4.
Who were the standout players for the London Broncos in the second half?
Alex Walker and Iliess Macani were the standout players for the London Broncos in the second half. Walker scored a crucial try, and Macani scored a double, including the game-winning points.
When was the London Broncos’ last appearance in the Super League?
The London Broncos’ last appearance in the Super League was in 2019 before they were relegated on points difference.
Where was the Grand Final match played, and what was the significance of this victory for the London Broncos?
The Grand Final match was played at the Stade Ernest-Wallon in Toulouse, France. This victory was significant as it marked the London Broncos’ return to the Super League after a hiatus.
What factors will be considered in deciding which clubs are granted top-flight licenses for the Super League?
The Rugby Football League will consider various factors, including geography, stadium facilities, potential fanbase, and engagement, when deciding which clubs will be granted top-flight licenses.
How did the London Broncos secure a place in the Grand Final despite finishing fifth in the Championship table?
The London Broncos secured their place in the Grand Final by winning away at Sheffield Eagles and table-toppers Featherstone Rovers in the playoffs.
Who is the chairman of the London Broncos, and what are his hopes for the future?
The chairman of the London Broncos is David Hughes, and he expressed hopes for the future, including attracting more fans and support and facing prominent teams like Wigan and Leeds in the Super League.
More about Super League Promotion
- BBC Sport: London Broncos beat Toulouse in Championship Grand Final
- London Broncos Official Website
- Rugby Football League (RFL)
- Toulouse Olympique XIII
- AFC Wimbledon – Home of the London Broncos
3 comments
London Broncos did g8 with Walker and Macani, epic game!
wow, broncos made a huge comback in the Grand final against toulouse, sooo cool!
London’s back in Super League after 2019, amazing news!