Championship: London Broncos with suspended player lose control in 2022-23 season

Toulouse Olympique largely dominated the London Broncos, 52-0, after a month without playing at home.

The London Broncos, rank tenth today, as in September Robert Oakley was banned from all sport for three years for using four banned substances.

Oakley returned the positive sample following an out-of-competition test on June 14 last year.

He was notified on September 6 and given a provisional suspension before being charged afterwards.

His sentence, for using an anabolic agent and hormone modulators that improve strength and muscle mass, was reduced from four to three years, due to his admission, and will last until September 5, 2025.

« The abuse of banned substances to aid recovery from injury is a gross breach of UK anti-doping rules, » said UK Anti-Doping chief executive Jane Rumble.

The formation of the English capital was part of the first season of the Super League era in 1996, and took part in the final stages twice in 96 and 97 without winning the grail. In 2006, the London club changed its name once again and moved to the Harlequins Rugby League, becoming the treizist branch of the Harlequins. In 2012, it was the return to the name of the London Broncos, followed 2 years later by relegation to the Championship. Despite an « elevator » period when the Londoners were promoted in 2018 and then relegated the following season, the club has since been playing in the Championship.

But today the team is playing without Oakley, the second Rugby League Championship player he has been banned from the sport for using banned substances.

As for the Toulouse Olympique, they took advantage of a week of recreation to face the London Broncos, at home on April 7.

At the end of a one-sided match, the Toulousains largely won against the London Broncos (52-0), Friday April 7, on the occasion of the 8th day of the Championship. With this success, Sylvain Houles’ men consolidate their second place in the standings.

Indeed the defeat in Sheffield left a bitter taste in the Blues & Whites. The men of Sylvain HOULES will be keen to erase this setback, which is more in front of their public.

Even though the first act was relatively contested, Harrison Hansen’s partners, thanks to three goals from Robin Brochon (11th), Josh Ralph (25th) and Guy Armitage (31st), were largely in the lead at the break (18- 0). The second period was much more unbridled. In the wake of a stirring Guy Armitage, the locals did not let go of their embrace.

The first half began with an intense standoff, it was Robin BROCHON who unblocked the situation after the 11th minute of play following a breakthrough by Anthony MARION. Jake SHORROCKS converts, 6-0.

In the last quarter of an hour, Toulouse accelerated and widened the gap. Josh RALPH and Guy ARMITAGE find the fault and bring the mark to 18-0 after the transformations of Jake SHORROCKS. Score at halftime, 18-0.

Six new tries signed Guy Armitage (43rd), Reuben Rennie (52nd, 65th), Eloi Pelissier (70th, 74th) and Josh Ralph (79th) closed the great success.

From the 43rd minute ARMITAGE scored his double, 24-0. The Toulouse machine is launched because 5 new tests will be registered. Jake Shorrocks converts twice, 30-0. With doubles from Reubenn RENNIE and Eloi PELISSIER. This time, it’s Reubenn Rennie who offers himself a little number to score. Josh Ralph breaks the line and sends Reubenn Rennie to score his second try of the day. The Toulousains drive the point home again by Éloi Pélissier after a great action initiated by Paul Marcon. First failure of the English striker, 40 to 0. To this is added the test of Josh RALPH, who also marks his second try of the day. This test makes it possible to cross the bar of 50 points while Jake Shorrocks still passes the transformation of 2 points. Sylvain HOULES’ men remain impeccable in defense until the end. Final whistle, 52-0.

A good reaction from the Olympian group after the disappointment in Sheffield which must now look across the Channel for the next two months. Indeed the French will chain 4 trips in a row before returning to his lair of Ernest Wallon on June 3 against Halifax. Next deadline, the first trip of this series, to Keighley on April 15th.

Friday night, in the Championship, the TO beat the London Broncos 52-0, with 9 tries. The Toulousains are second in the standings after eight matches.

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Gabriel MIHAI

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