In Depth - London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons

The first matchup between London and Catalans took place on the 14^th of April 2006 which resulted in a Harlequins RL victory, 36-14, at Twickenham Stoop in front of an audience of 3,472. Since then, this matchup has taken place in various stadiums across the UK & France including the City of Manchester Stadium, where all three games were played with an attendance of over 30,000 (2012, 2013 & 2014), Twickenham Stoop, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Ealing Trailfinders & the Hive stadium.

London’s biggest victory against Catalans is tied, with a 22-point victory coming in both 2006 (36-14) at the Stoop & in 2007 (38-16) at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium.

If history is anything to go by, this Betfred Super League Round 2 matchup is going to be no easy task for the Broncos as they look to get a victory in their first Super League home fixture at Wimbledon. The Broncos have won the last two fixtures which they have played against Catalan- a 30-12 victory on June 15^th, 2019, and an 8-0 victory on August 17^th, 2019 (both at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium). However, looking back further into the record books, Catalan had won the previous 14 fixtures before these games (between 2011-2019). London have only beaten Catalans 4 times at home, and they certainly have their eyes set on making this number 5 on Friday afternoon.

Catalans Dragons Breakdown

Catalans Dragons was founded in 2000 after Catalan XIII & Saint-Esteve, two Rugby League teams in Perpignon, merged. After winning the double (cup & championship) in France in 2005, the RFL invited the team to be a part of the Super League for 2006 which is where Catalans have been ever since.

Honours:

French Rugby League/Elite One Championship: Winners 2005, Runners up 2002 & 2003.

Super League: Grand-final runner up 2021 & 2023.

League Leaders shield: 2021.

Challenge cup: Winners 2018, Runners up 2007.

Million Pound game: Winners 2017.

LONDON BRONCOS v CATALANS DRAGONS

Last ten meetings:

Catalans Dragons 4, London Broncos 17 (17/8/19)

Catalans Dragons 12, London Broncos 30 (15/6/19)

London Broncos 6, Catalans Dragons 39 (18/4/19)

(at Trailfinders Sports Ground, Ealing)

Catalans Dragons 20, London Broncos 18 (5/8/17)

Catalans Dragons 46, London Broncos 4 (30/8/14)

Catalans Dragons 24, London Broncos 22 (17/5/14)

(at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)

London Broncos 22, Catalans Dragons 28 (17/4/14)

(at The Hive, Barnet)

Catalans Dragons 40, London Broncos 24 (4/4/14)

Catalans Dragons 34, London Broncos 28 (6/7/13)

Catalans Dragons 46, London Broncos 18 (25/5/13)

(at Etihad Stadium, Manchester)

WILL LOVELL needs one appearance to reach 200 for his career.

- 147 for London Broncos (2012-2014, 2018-2024)

- 52 for London Skolars (2013-2016)

ILIESS MACANI needs one try to reach 100 for his career.

- 62 for London Broncos (2013-2016, 2022-2024)

- 19 for London Skolars (2014, loan, 2018-2021)

- 8 for Sheffield Eagles (2018)

- 10 for Bradford Bulls (2017)