The Richmond Athletic Association (RAA) has today announced a three year agreement with the London Broncos Academy which will see both the Academy squad (U19s) and the Scholarship team (U16s) use the training facilities and play their rugby league matches at the Richmond Athletic Ground for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons.

London Broncos run a licensed academy which forms part of the RFL elite player pathway for rugby league. The professional programme provides 70 players between the ages of 14-19, based in London and the South-East, with an aspirational opportunity to play top level professional rugby league. The club has a fantastic record of developing players who have gone on to play for its full-time first-team and there are products of the Academy represented throughout the Super League. There are currently 17 Academy produced players in the first-team squad, demonstrating the quality of the Academy programme.

Rob Powell, Head of Youth Development at London Broncos, commented: “We are extremely excited about the partnership with the RAA. As an Academy we have never been as fortunate with the location of our training and playing venue given the ease of access by both public transport and car to the Richmond Athletic Ground. We will have the opportunity to use first-class facilities and the potential for the growth of the partnership is huge. We can’t wait to get started at our new home.”

Jimmy Wallace, CEO of RAA, added: “We are delighted to be working with Rob and his Academy teams in hosting their talented youngsters here at the Athletic Ground for the next three seasons. This is the first time a rugby league team will train and play at the ground on a regular basis, and alongside our increasing involvement with Kew Park Rangers Football Club, it highlights our desire to partner with other local clubs in the community and promote our ground as a multi-sport facility.”

For more information on the Richmond Athletic Ground and the venue and pitch packages available please contact Jimmy Wallace on jimmyw@the-raa.co.uk.