Mathers to join London Broncos

London Broncos have signed Wakefield full-back Richard Mathers on a two-year deal from next season.

Mathers, 30, was not offered a new deal by the Wildcats, despite coach James Webster revealing an interest in keeping him in their squad.

Instead the former Leeds, Gold Coast, Wigan, Warrington and Castleford man will move to the capital to play in the Championship with the Broncos.

Head Coach Joe Grima said: “He will be one of the highest profile players in the Championship next season.

“His experience will be great for the Broncos as Richie is close to playing 300 games in the Super League and has experience of the NRL.

“This signing is an indication of how serious we are about where we want to be in 2015 and beyond and we look forward to welcoming Richie, Sasha and family to our club.”

Mathers won the Challenge Cup with Warrington in 2010, and also picked up a Super League Grand Final winners ring during his time with Leeds.

He said: “It’s a massive move for myself and my family. It’s an exciting one and we’re just at the planning stage of moving and bringing the family down and starting a new adventure.

“I guess it was daunting at first, the relocation part of it, but having spoken to Joey about the rugby side of it, that’s what I’m here to do. The challenge is one I’m looking forward to. It’s a different sort of challenge to what I’ve been used to but Joey’s enthusiasm and the plans he has in place for the club not just next year but for the future, he really sold it to me. I didn’t realise how passionate he was about it.”

Mathers becomes the 17th member of Grima’s squad for next season.