Putney residents are in for a sporting treat this Sunday as professional rugby league side London Broncos make a surprise return to Rosslyn Park FC, bringing their high-stakes Championship clash against Sheffield Eagles to SW15.
Originally set for the Cherry Red Records Stadium in Wimbledon, the match has been shifted two-and-a-half miles down the road due to a potential fixture clash with AFC Wimbledon, who are in the thick of the League Two promotion race. With football’s play-off schedule up in the air, the Broncos opted to lock in Rosslyn Park early to avoid being left without a venue—and inadvertently handed Putney a front-row seat to the rugby action.
A Big Win for Putney
While Wimbledon sorts out its footballing priorities, Putney locals benefit: the match is set to kick off at 3.00pm at the historic Priory Lane ground, and tickets are going for just £15 (with concessions and kids going free). It’s not every weekend you get top-tier rugby league just off Upper Richmond Road.
For the Broncos, the move is a bit of a homecoming. The team trained and played at Rosslyn Park back in 2021 before moving to Wimbledon. And they still use the ground as their training base. “It’s familiar to our supporters and players,” said the club, “so it retains home advantage.”
The Club with No Fixed Abode?
London Broncos have long been rugby league’s nomads. Founded in 1980 as Fulham RLFC, they’ve played at Craven Cottage, Barnet, The Stoop, Brentford, and Ealing—before pitching up in Wimbledon in 2022. They even activated a break clause earlier this year, hinting at more flexibility in future stadium choices, especially as they search for new owners following the departure of long-time backer David Hughes.
Coached by Mike Eccles, the Broncos are trying to rebuild after dropping out of the Super League last season. They currently sit mid-table in the Championship and are looking to pick up momentum with a strong performance against the visiting Sheffield side.
Rosslyn Park: Rugby Heritage in SW15
Hosting Sunday’s game is Rosslyn Park FC, one of the grand old names of English rugby union. Founded in 1879, the club has long been a local sporting institution and famously hosted the first-ever floodlit rugby match. Though primarily a union outfit, the club has made room for their rugby league cousins in recent years, sharing their facilities with the Broncos for training and occasional games.
So if you live in Putney and have never seen a live rugby league match, now’s your chance. No need to head to Twickenham or Wigan—this weekend, big hits and fast breaks are coming to your backyard.
Match Details:
- London Broncos vs Sheffield Eagles
- Sunday 11 May
- 3.00pm kick-off
- Rosslyn Park FC, Priory Lane, Putney
- Tickets: £15 adults, £10 concessions, Under-16s go free
