In Depth - London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons

James Booth • 21 February 2024

London Broncos vs Catalans Dragons is a fixture which is the 11th most frequent in the Broncos history, with 29 matches taking place between 2006 to present. Out of these 29 matches, the Broncos have won 10 and lost 19 and have a -157 points difference, scoring 620 points and conceding 777.


The first matchup between London and Catalans took place on the 14th 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 15th, 2019, and an 8-0 victory on August 17th, 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)

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