Skolars chief wants “rugby league Mecca” in London

London Skolars chief executive Hector McNeil wants their White Hart Lane Community Stadium home developed to become a rugby league mecca.

The community stadium, which has a capacity of 5000, is currently owned by Haringey Council, but they are believed to be looking to sell.

Opened in 1905, the stadium is also currently home to athletics, weightlifting, cycling and rugby union.

With it comes a 44 acre site in “zone 3” of London, not far from White Hart Lane football ground, the home of Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

McNeil believes it represents an exciting opportunity for it to become the home of rugby league in the capital.

He said: “There are exciting times at the stadium. Several consultants have drawn the conclusion that rugby league should take it over from the council.

“I would love to see the stadium become a rugby league mecca.

“For Skolars, the RFL and London Broncos to all be based there would be superb. Now that’s exciting.”

London Skolars, currently playing in Championship 1, have played at the ground, also known as New River Stadium, since 1997, while the Broncos are looking for a new long-term home following their re-branding at the end of last season.

They have played at Twickenham Stoop since 2006 but have lived a nomadic existence, playing at The Griffin (Brentford), The Valley (Charlton) and Craven Cottage (Fulham), amongst others, in their 32-year history.

A permanent home that the Broncos can call their own is thought by many to be key to the success of the Super League franchise in the capital.