Broncos move north blocked

London Broncos yesterday received good news when the 12 Super League clubs unanimously rejected Leigh and York's bid to take over the team franchise and agreed that they would not be allowed to relocate north.

Super League's Andrew Whitelam-said: "It is felt very important that London Broncos continue as a Super League club in the capital and clubs stressed their support for London's efforts to achieve that."

Whitelam's views were echoed by the League's executive director Greg McCallum who said: "There is no way we can allow the Broncos to relocate in the north."

Charlton continue to hold the key to Broncos' future even if London have to play many of next season's fixtures "on the road" while The Valley playing surface undergoes extensive work.

The Broncos must now wait to see if Charlton will buy out Sir Richard Branson's 80 per cent stake but the club has received a boost with indications that Virgin are willing to remain sponsors for at least the next three years.