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Last Updated: Tuesday, 26 July 2005, 15:14 GMT 16:14 UK
Broncos chief thrilled by new era
by Julian Shea

London Broncos and Harlequins badges
London Broncos chief Nic Cartwright says fans have nothing to fear from the new partnership with Harlequins.

The Broncos will move to the Twickenham Stoop ground and play as Harlequins Rugby League in the union side's famous shirts under the agreement.

Cartwright told BBC Sport: "I've been involved with this club for seven years and this is the first time I can truly say we have a very bright future.

"We've wanted and needed a home, but haven't had one since leaving Fulham."

The Broncos chief executive added: "The most important thing was to find our home, be it north or east London.

"But we're lucky that it was in West London, where we've played most of our best stuff and where we've lived most of our lives."

Cartwright admitted he was aware of the great significance of shedding the Broncos name and colours, but insisted it would be done with dignity.

"We've got to make sure we treat the Broncos name with respect when we retire it," he said.

I've been involved with this club for seven years and this is the first time I can truly say we have a very bright future
London chief executive Nic Cartwright

"The Harlequins brand and name is a great one to take, so we'll do that with pride while we retire the Broncos name.

"They've been very supportive - it's their name and their brand - so they want it to succeed."

Under the initial five-year partnership deal, the clubs will pool many of their resources, including training facilities and knowledge.

But the league club will be an independent club based at the same venue.

"Initially I don't think there'll be any shared players," he said.

"At junior level I think there's massive scope for people to play both sports, but to play both codes is tough on the body."

Another factor that will contribute to London's future security is the recent investment in the club by new chairman Ian Lenagan, a life-long league fan.

He said the future of professional rugby league outside the game's heartland was vital for the game as a whole.

"Having a successful London team is critical to rugby league generally," Lenagan said.

"It would have taken us two or three years to get stronger financially and move forwards, because of the problem of where we play.

"But with this arrangement, we can move quickly into significant success, which we're already having on the pitch."

Lenagan is a hugely successful businessman, and he said the move made perfect business sense for the Broncos.

"From a business point of view, what Harlequins have done over the last few years has been exemplary," he said.

"We just need to get our financial and business base right, and this gives us a superb and quick chance to do that."

He also said there was increasing mutual respect between union and league nowadays.

"The likes of Joe Lydon doing so well in rugby union, as well as players like Jason Robinson, shows the respect union has for league, but we can also learn from union," he said.

"Harlequins coach Dean Richards is an absolute icon, and a very capable man, who our players can learn from."

He also gave short shrift to those who thought the move was bad for the future of rugby league.

"If it was a takeover or a shareholding by Harlequins in the Broncos, I would be concerned, but it's not," he said.

"It's an independent rugby league club playing at a superb ground under the best rugby brand in the world. How can that be seen as negative?"




SEE ALSO
Broncos link up with Harlequins
26 Jul 05 |  London
Look north for rugby harmony
26 Jul 05 |  Rugby League


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