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{{short description|English rugby league club}}
{{short description|English rugby league club}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2024}}
{{Infobox rugby league club
{{Infobox rugby league club
| clubname = London Skolars
| clubname = London Skolars
Line 11: Line 11:
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1995}}<br />(as Student Rugby League Old Boys)
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1995}}<br />(as Student Rugby League Old Boys)
| readmitted =
| readmitted =
| ground = 1995-<br />[[White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre|New River Stadium]]<br />(5,000)
| ground = 1995–<br />[[White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre|New River Stadium]]<br />(5,000)
| ground2 = May – August 2014<br />[[Queen Elizabeth II Stadium (Enfield)|Queen Elizabeth II Stadium]]<br />(2,500)
| ground2 = May – August 2014<br />[[Queen Elizabeth II Stadium (Enfield)|Queen Elizabeth II Stadium]]<br />(2,500)
| chairman = Adrian Fraine
| chairman = Adrian Fraine
| ceo = Colin Browne
| ceo = Colin Browne
| manager = Charlie DeHaan
| manager = Charlie DeHaan
| coach = [[Joe Mbu]]
| coach = Trevor McLachlan
| captain = Louis Robinson
| captain = Louis Robinson
| league = [[Conference League South]]
| league = [[Southern Conference League]]
| season = [[2023 RFL League 1|2023 season]]
| season = [[2023 RFL League 1|2023 season]]
| position = 10th (League 1)
| position = 10th (League 1)
Line 77: Line 77:
}}
}}


The '''London Skolars''' are a [[rugby league]] club based at the [[White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre|New River Stadium]], [[Wood Green]], [[London Borough of Haringey|Haringey]] in [[north London]]. They were founded in 1995 and were semi-professional from 2003, operating in the [[Betfred League 1]], until the club withdrew from the professional leagues at the end of 2023.<ref name=Oxfordprogramme>{{cite book |title=Oxford league inspires : Oxford Rugby League v. London Skolars (match programme) |publisher=Oxford Rugby League |year=2013 |location=Oxford}}</ref><ref name="totalrl150923">{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Callum |title=London Skolars withdraw from League One in rugby league blow |url=https://www.totalrl.com/london-skolars-withdraw-from-league-one-in-rugby-league-blow/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Total Rugby League |date=15 September 2023}}</ref>
The '''London Skolars''' are a [[rugby league]] club based at the [[White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre|New River Stadium]] in [[Wood Green]], [[London Borough of Haringey|Haringey]], [[North London]]. Founded in 1995, the club operated as a semi-professional team for 2003 and competed in the [[RFL League One|League 1]] until it withdrew from the professional leagues at the end of 2023.<ref name="Oxfordprogramme">{{cite book |title=Oxford league inspires : Oxford Rugby League v. London Skolars (match programme) |publisher=Oxford Rugby League |year=2013 |location=Oxford}}</ref><ref name="totalrl150923">{{cite news |last1=Walker |first1=Callum |date=15 September 2023 |title=London Skolars withdraw from League One in rugby league blow |url=https://www.totalrl.com/london-skolars-withdraw-from-league-one-in-rugby-league-blow/ |access-date=15 September 2023 |work=Total Rugby League}}</ref> The London Skolars were accepted into the [[Southern Conference League]] (SCL) for the 2024 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=London Skolars » Skolars Accepted into the SCL for 2024 |url=https://www.skolarsrl.com/2023/11/20/skolars-accepted-into-the-scl-for-2024/ |access-date=23 July 2024 |website=www.skolarsrl.com}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:London Skolars v Gloucestershire All Golds 09.jpg|thumb|left|Skolars (red) play [[Gloucestershire All Golds]] (blue) in the [[2015 Championship 1]]]]
[[File:London Skolars v Gloucestershire All Golds 09.jpg|thumb|left|Skolars (red) play [[Gloucestershire All Golds]] (blue) in the [[2015 Championship 1]]]]


The club was founded by Ian "Hector" McNeil in 1995 as '''Student Rugby League Old Boys''', created for post-university graduates based in London who wished to continue playing competitive rugby league, with a number of ex-student international rugby league players as members.<ref name=Oxfordprogramme /> The team originally played at [[Hackney RFC]]. The club quickly went "open", drawing not only from players from the student game but also London-based [[antipodean]]s and local rugby players.
The '''London Skolars''' were founded in 1995 by Ian "Hector" MCNeil as the '''Student Rugby League Old Boys'''. The club was established for post-university graduates in [[London]] who wished to continue playing competitive [[rugby league]], with several former international student players among its members. Initially, the team played at [[Hackney RFC]] and quickly expanded its player base to include London-based [[Antipodes|antipodeans]] and local rugby enthusiasts.


The club name was changed to '''London Skolars''' two years later in 1997, partly to refer humorously to their academic origins but primarily due to a potential sponsorship from [[Skol]] lager. After initial success in the [[London League (rugby league)|London League]], in 1997 the club became a founder member of the Southern Conference League (the forerunner to the [[Rugby League Conference]]), under the name '''North London Skolars''', and won the inaugural competition.<ref name=Oxfordprogramme /> They also moved to [[White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre|New River Stadium]] at this time. Later in 1997, they entered the [[National Conference League]] and were the only club south of [[Sheffield]] in the competition for four consecutive seasons.
In 1997, the club changed its name to '''London Skolars''', partly to humorously reference its academic origins but primarily due to a potential sponsorship from [[Skol]] Lager. The Skolars became a founding member of the [[Southern Conference League]] (SCL), the precursor to the [[Rugby League Conference]], and won the inaugural competition<ref name="Oxfordprogramme" /> (under the name '''North London Skolars'''). They also relocated to [[White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre|New River Stadium]]. Later that year, the Skolars joined the [[National Conference League]], becoming the only club south of Sheffield in the competition for four consecutive seasons.


In 1998 Skolars hosted Strella XIII, the first time a team from [[Tatarstan]] had toured Great Britain. During the 1999 season, the Skolars toured Russia, the first time that an amateur club had toured the former [[Soviet Union]].<ref name=Oxfordprogramme />
In 1998, the Skolars hosted Strella XIII, marking the first time a team from [[Tatarstan]] had toured [[Great Britain]]. During the 1999 season, the Skolars toured Russia, becoming the first amateur club to tour the former [[Soviet Union]].<ref name="Oxfordprogramme" />


Skolars first team won the Southern Division of the [[Rugby League Conference]] in 2000 and the second team won the London League that same year. The second team won the London League again in 2001.
In 2000, the Skolars' first team won the Southern Division of the [[Rugby League Conference]], while the second team secured the [[London League (rugby league)|London League]] title. The second team repeated this achievement in 2001.


In 2002 the club applied to join the [[RFL League 1|National Leagues]] and was accepted, the first club in eighty years to make the transition from the amateur ranks to the professional leagues.<ref name=Oxfordprogramme /> The A team joined the Conference and won the London & South Division in its first year.
The club applied to join the [[RFL League 1|National Leagues]] in 2002 and was accepted, becoming the first club in eighty years to transition from amateur to professional leagues.<ref name=Oxfordprogramme /> The A team also joined the Conference and won the London & South Division in its first year.


In 2003, the Skolars first season in [[RFL League 1|National League Two]], they finished bottom of the league,<ref>{{cite news|title=Hull KR shock Salford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/3089322.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 January 2014|date=8 September 2003}}</ref> but made further progress in 2004. They won the Middlesex 9s whilst the A team won the London League. The club dropped "North" from their name to become ''London Skolars''. The appointment of [[Latham Tawhai]] as a full-time coach at the end of the 2005 season marked another step forward in the club's progress.
In 2003, during their inaugural season in [[RFL League 1|National League Two]], the Skolars finished at the bottom of the league<ref>{{cite news|title=Hull KR shock Salford|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/3089322.stm|work=BBC Sport|access-date=5 January 2014|date=8 September 2003}}</ref> but made significant progress in 2004, winning the Middlesex 9s and the [[London League (rugby league)|London League]]. They dropped "North" from their name to become London Skolars. The appointment of [[Latham Tawhai]] as a full-time coach at the end of the 2005 season marked another step forward for the club.


Tawhai left Skolars at the end of 2007 to become assistant coach at [[London Broncos#2006–2011: Harlequins Rugby League|Harlequins RL]] and was replaced by [[Tony Benson (rugby league)|Tony Benson]].<ref name="'BENSON MAKES SKOLARS SWITCH">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/07/12/03/RUGBYL_London_Skolars.html |title='BENSON MAKES SKOLARS SWITCH |publisher=Sportinglife |date=3 December 2007 |access-date=3 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605001358/http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague%2F07%2F12%2F03%2FRUGBYL_London_Skolars.html |archive-date=5 June 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref>
Tawhai left the Skolars at the end of 2007 to become assistant coach at [[London Broncos#2006–2011: Harlequins Rugby League|Harlequins RL]], and was succeeded by [[Tony Benson (rugby league)|Tony Benson]].<ref name="'BENSON MAKES SKOLARS SWITCH">{{cite web|url=http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague/07/12/03/RUGBYL_London_Skolars.html |title='BENSON MAKES SKOLARS SWITCH |publisher=Sportinglife |date=3 December 2007 |access-date=3 December 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605001358/http://www.sportinglife.com/rugbyleague/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=rleague%2F07%2F12%2F03%2FRUGBYL_London_Skolars.html |archive-date=5 June 2011 }}</ref> Benson left at the end of the 2008 season due to the logistical challenges of traveling from his home in [[Leigh, Greater Manchester]][http://www.lasttackle.com/news.php/3747/benson-to-leave-skolars.html]. Callum Irving, Benson's assistant, took over as head coach but resigned in July 2009 for personal reasons. Injured player [[Jermaine Coleman (rugby league)|Jermaine Coleman]] then served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. In 2009, the club appointed its first full-time CEO, Philip Browne, who was later replaced by Howard Kramer in 2010. The Skolars finished the 2009 season in 10th place in the [[RFL League 1|Championship One]] table, taking the wooden spoon with just one win and five points. James Massara, a [[Hammersmith]]-born 32-year-old, was named head coach in 2010, followed by the appointment of former [[London Broncos|Harlequins RL]] layer [[Joe Mbu]] in October 2010.


Under Mbu, the Skolars finished 4th in the [[RFL League 1|Championship 1]] in 2013, reaching the play-offs but failing to achieve promotion after being knocked out in the semi-finals. In 2014, the Skolars finished 7th out of 9 teams. Following a heavy defeat by [[Swinton Lions]] in the [[Challenge Cup]] early in the 2015 season, Mbu was released from his contract on 9 March.<ref>[http://www.skolarsrl.com/2015/03/09/london-skolars-press-release-joe-mbu-leaves-skolars/ London Skolars » London Skolars Press Release – Joe Mbu Leaves Skolars<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Tony Benson left his job at London Skolars at the end of the season due to the inconvenience of travelling from his home in [[Leigh, Greater Manchester]].[http://www.lasttackle.com/news.php/3747/benson-to-leave-skolars.html]{{dead link|date=August 2016}} Callum Irving took over as head coach at the club, Irving was Tony Benson's number two in the 2008 season. He resigned in July 2009, citing personal reasons. Injured player Jermaine Coleman took over as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. The club appointed its first full-time chief executive officer in 2009, Phillip Browne, who was replaced in 2010 by Howard Kramer. The Skolars finished the 2009 in 10th position of the Championship One table, taking the [[Wooden spoon (award)|wooden spoon]] with just one win all season and five points. London Skolars announced that James Massara, a [[Hammersmith]]-born thirty-two-year-old would take the reins as head coach at New River Stadium in 2010. In October 2010 the London Skolars appointed former [[London Broncos#2006–2011: Harlequins Rugby League|Harlequins RL]] player [[Joe Mbu]] as their head coach.


On 18 March 2015, the Skolars appointed ex-player and then [[Hemel Stags]] assistant coach [[Jermaine Coleman (rugby league)|Jermaine Coleman]] as head coach.<ref>[http://www.skolarsrl.com/2015/03/18/skolars-announce-former-player-jermaine-coleman-as-new-head-coach/ London Skolars » Skolars Announce Former Player Jermaine Coleman As New Head Coach<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In his first season, Coleman led the Skolars to 11th place out of 14 teams. He strengthened the squad and guided the Skolars to a top-8 playoff position, securing a dramatic 23-22 win over the [[Gloucestershire All Golds]].<ref>[http://www.skolarsrl.com/2016/07/04/jy-mel-coleman-secures-top-8-spot-for-skolars/ London Skolars » Jy-mel Coleman Secures Top 8 Spot for Skolars<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
In 2013, London finished 4th in the 2013 [[RFL League 1|Championship 1]] season. That was the first time they finished in the play-offs in their Championship 1 venture, although they didn't achieve promotion after being knocked out in the semi-finals.


In 2021, Mbu returned as coach. However, the team struggled in the league, finishing 9th out of 11 in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The 2023 season was particularly challenging, the club announced it would withdraw from the professional structure and continue as a community club in the [[Southern Conference League]].<ref name="totalrl150923" /> On 29 July, they withdrew from the Southern Conference League, being unable to field for a number of matches.<ref>https://www.skolarsrl.com/2024/07/29/club-statement-4/</ref>
In 2014, [[Joe Mbu]] led the Skolars to 7th place out of 9. After a heavy defeat by [[Swinton Lions]] in the [[Challenge Cup]] at the beginning of the 2015 season, London Skolars released Mbu from his contract on 9 March.<ref>[http://www.skolarsrl.com/2015/03/09/london-skolars-press-release-joe-mbu-leaves-skolars/ London Skolars » London Skolars Press Release – Joe Mbu Leaves Skolars<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


On 12 September 2024, it was reported that Australian Trevor McLachlan had been appointed as head coach.<ref>{{cite web|website=Total RL|date=12 September 2024|title=London Skolars appoint new coach and set out 2025 goals after failing to complete season|url=https://www.totalrl.com/london-skolars-appoint-new-coach-and-set-out-2025-goals-after-failing-to-complete-season/|accessdate=12 September 2024}}</ref>
On 18 March 2015, Skolars appointed ex-player and then current [[Hemel Stags]] assistant coach [[Jermaine Coleman]] as head coach.<ref>[http://www.skolarsrl.com/2015/03/18/skolars-announce-former-player-jermaine-coleman-as-new-head-coach/ London Skolars » Skolars Announce Former Player Jermaine Coleman As New Head Coach<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Coleman in his first season 11th out of 14 teams. Recruiting and retaining strongly, Coleman lead the Skolars to a top 8 playoff place after a 23–22 win over the [[Gloucestershire All Golds]].<ref>[http://www.skolarsrl.com/2016/07/04/jy-mel-coleman-secures-top-8-spot-for-skolars/ London Skolars » Jy-mel Coleman Secures Top 8 Spot for Skolars<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

In 2021 Mbu returned to the club as coach. After struggling in the league during 2021 and 2022 where they only finished 9th out of 11 in both seasons, the club had a disastrous 2023 season losing all 18 league matches and their only cup match. On 15 September the club announced that they were withdrawing from the professional structure and would continue as an community club, playing in the Southern Conference.<ref name="totalrl150923"/>


==Past coaches==
==Past coaches==


* [[Latham Tawhai]] 2005–2007
* [[Latham Tawhai]] (2005–2007)
* [[Tony Benson (rugby league)|Tony Benson]] 2007–08
* [[Tony Benson (rugby league)|Tony Benson]] (2007–2008)
* [[Jermaine Coleman (rugby league)|Jermaine Coleman]] 2009
* [[Jermaine Coleman (rugby league)|Jermaine Coleman]] (2009)
* James Massara 2010
* James Massara (2010)
* [[Joe Mbu]] 2010–2015
* [[Joe Mbu]] (2010–2015)
* [[Jermaine Coleman (rugby league)|Jermaine Coleman]] 2015–2021
* [[Jermaine Coleman (rugby league)|Jermaine Coleman]] (2015–2021)
* [[Joe Mbu]] 2021–2023
* [[Joe Mbu]] (2021–2023)
* Trevor McLachlan (2024–present)


==Seasons==
==Seasons==
Line 287: Line 286:
|{{N/A|Did not qualify}}
|{{N/A|Did not qualify}}
|R2
|R2
| ||
|-
|[[2024 London Skolars season|2024]]
|[[Southern Conference League#2024|Southern Conference League]]
|12||0||0||12||74||476||0||9th
|{{N/A|Did not qualify}}
|{{N/A|Did not participate}}
| ||
| ||
|}
|}
Line 325: Line 331:
|'''198'''
|'''198'''
|133
|133
|2003–2011
|2003-2011
|-
|-
|2
|2
Line 331: Line 337:
|'''178'''
|'''178'''
|216
|216
|2004–2012
|2004-2012
|-
|-
|3
|3
Line 337: Line 343:
|'''164'''
|'''164'''
|116
|116
|2004-2011; 2015-2019; 2021
|2004–2011; 2015–2019; 2021
|-
|-
|4
|4
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|'''145'''
|'''145'''
|192
|192
|2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2017–2023
|2010-2012; 2014-2015; 2017-2023
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|5=
|rowspan=2|5=
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|rowspan=2|'''144'''
|rowspan=2|'''144'''
|104
|104
|2010–2017
|2010-2017
|-
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Michael Sykes
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Michael Sykes
|32
|32
|2010-2019; 2021
|2010–2019; 2021
|-
|-
|7
|7
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|'''128'''
|'''128'''
|124
|124
|2009–2017
|2009-2017
|-
|-
|8
|8
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|'''119'''
|'''119'''
|518
|518
|2010–2012; 2018–2022
|2010-2012; 2018-2022
|-
|-
|9
|9
Line 371: Line 377:
|'''112'''
|'''112'''
|108
|108
|2005–2009
|2005-2009
|-
|-
|10
|10
Line 377: Line 383:
|'''109'''
|'''109'''
|128
|128
|2010–2012; 2015–2017; 2021–2023
|2010-2012; 2015-2017; 2021-2023
|}
|}


Line 393: Line 399:
|'''54'''
|'''54'''
|178
|178
|2004–2012
|2004-2012
|-
|-
|2
|2
Line 399: Line 405:
|'''52'''
|'''52'''
|68
|68
|2006; 2010-2013
|2006; 2010–2013
|-
|-
|3
|3
Line 405: Line 411:
|'''48'''
|'''48'''
|145
|145
|2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2017–2023
|2010-2012; 2014-2015; 2017-2023
|-
|-
|4
|4
Line 411: Line 417:
|'''47'''
|'''47'''
|85
|85
|2011-2013; 2015
|2011–2013; 2015
|-
|-
|5
|5
Line 417: Line 423:
|'''42'''
|'''42'''
|97
|97
|2012; 2016-2023
|2012; 2016–2023
|-
|-
|6
|6
Line 423: Line 429:
|'''33'''
|'''33'''
|198
|198
|2003–2011
|2003-2011
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|7=
|rowspan=2|7=
Line 429: Line 435:
|rowspan=2|'''32'''
|rowspan=2|'''32'''
|83
|83
|2008–2012
|2008-2012
|-
|-
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Aaron Small
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Aaron Small
|109
|109
|2010–2012; 2015–2017; 2021–2023
|2010-2012; 2015-2017; 2021-2023
|-
|-
|9
|9
Line 439: Line 445:
|'''31'''
|'''31'''
|128
|128
|2009–2017
|2009-2017
|-
|-
|10
|10
Line 445: Line 451:
|'''30'''
|'''30'''
|72
|72
|2011–2013
|2011-2013
|}
|}


Line 463: Line 469:
|'''1'''
|'''1'''
|72
|72
|2011–2013
|2011-2013
|-
|-
|2
|2
Line 470: Line 476:
|'''2'''
|'''2'''
|119
|119
|2010–2012; 2018–2022
|2010-2012; 2018-2022
|-
|-
|3
|3
Line 477: Line 483:
|'''2'''
|'''2'''
|106
|106
|2007–2010
|2007-2010
|-
|-
|4
|4
Line 484: Line 490:
|'''3'''
|'''3'''
|88
|88
|2009-2011; 2016-2019; 2021
|2009–2011; 2016–2019; 2021
|-
|-
|5
|5
Line 491: Line 497:
|'''1'''
|'''1'''
|105
|105
|2013–2021
|2013-2021
|-
|-
|6
|6
Line 498: Line 504:
|'''0'''
|'''0'''
|47
|47
|2017–2018; 2022–2023
|2017-2018; 2022-2023
|-
|-
|7
|7
Line 505: Line 511:
|'''0'''
|'''0'''
|24
|24
|2005–2006
|2005-2006
|-
|-
|8
|8
Line 512: Line 518:
|'''2'''
|'''2'''
|50
|50
|2016–2018
|2016-2018
|-
|-
|9
|9
Line 526: Line 532:
|'''2'''
|'''2'''
|69
|69
|2004-2006; 2009
|2004–2006; 2009
|}

===Most points===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! width="25" |Rank
! style="width:200px;"|Player
! width="50" |Points
! width="50" |Apps.
! style="width:225px;"|Skolars Career
|-
|1
|align="left"|{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Dylan Skee]]
|'''579'''
|72
|2011–2013
|-
|2
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Neil Thorman
|'''518'''
|119
|2010–2012; 2018–2022
|-
|3
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Paul Thorman
|'''488'''
|106
|2007–2010
|-
|4
|align="left"|{{flagicon|Jamaica}} [[Jy-mel Coleman]]
|'''285'''
|88
|2009–2011; 2016–2019; 2021
|-
|5
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} [[Mike Bishay]]
|'''253'''
|105
|2013–2021
|-
|6
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Austen Aggrey
|'''216'''
|178
|2004–2012
|-
|7
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} [[Ade Adebisi]]
|'''208'''
|68
|2006; 2010–2013
|-
|8
|align="left"|{{flagicon|Jamaica}} [[Lamont Bryan]]
|'''192'''
|145
|2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2017–2023
|-
|9
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} James Anthony
|'''188'''
|85
|2011–2013; 2015
|-
|10
|align="left"|{{flagicon|England}} Lameck Juma
|'''168'''
|97
|2012; 2016–2023
|}
|}


Line 533: Line 609:


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|London Skolars}}
{{commons category|London Skolars}}
* {{official website|http://www.skolarsrl.com/}}
* {{official website|http://www.skolarsrl.com/}}


Latest revision as of 11:25, 24 November 2024

London Skolars
Club information
Full nameLondon Skolars Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)Skolars
Colours
Founded1995; 30 years ago (1995)
(as Student Rugby League Old Boys)
Websiteskolarsrl.com
Current details
Ground(s)
CEOColin Browne
ChairmanAdrian Fraine
CoachTrevor McLachlan
ManagerCharlie DeHaan
CaptainLouis Robinson
CompetitionSouthern Conference League
2023 season10th (League 1)
Uniforms
Home colours
Records
London League3 (2000, 2001, 2004)
RLC Challenge Cup1 (2004)
RLC Southern Division1 (2000)
RLC London & South Division1 (2002)
Middlesex 9s1 (2003)

The London Skolars are a rugby league club based at the New River Stadium in Wood Green, Haringey, North London. Founded in 1995, the club operated as a semi-professional team for 2003 and competed in the League 1 until it withdrew from the professional leagues at the end of 2023.[1][2] The London Skolars were accepted into the Southern Conference League (SCL) for the 2024 season.[3]

History

[edit]
Skolars (red) play Gloucestershire All Golds (blue) in the 2015 Championship 1

The London Skolars were founded in 1995 by Ian "Hector" MCNeil as the Student Rugby League Old Boys. The club was established for post-university graduates in London who wished to continue playing competitive rugby league, with several former international student players among its members. Initially, the team played at Hackney RFC and quickly expanded its player base to include London-based antipodeans and local rugby enthusiasts.

In 1997, the club changed its name to London Skolars, partly to humorously reference its academic origins but primarily due to a potential sponsorship from Skol Lager. The Skolars became a founding member of the Southern Conference League (SCL), the precursor to the Rugby League Conference, and won the inaugural competition[1] (under the name North London Skolars). They also relocated to New River Stadium. Later that year, the Skolars joined the National Conference League, becoming the only club south of Sheffield in the competition for four consecutive seasons.

In 1998, the Skolars hosted Strella XIII, marking the first time a team from Tatarstan had toured Great Britain. During the 1999 season, the Skolars toured Russia, becoming the first amateur club to tour the former Soviet Union.[1]

In 2000, the Skolars' first team won the Southern Division of the Rugby League Conference, while the second team secured the London League title. The second team repeated this achievement in 2001.

The club applied to join the National Leagues in 2002 and was accepted, becoming the first club in eighty years to transition from amateur to professional leagues.[1] The A team also joined the Conference and won the London & South Division in its first year.

In 2003, during their inaugural season in National League Two, the Skolars finished at the bottom of the league[4] but made significant progress in 2004, winning the Middlesex 9s and the London League. They dropped "North" from their name to become London Skolars. The appointment of Latham Tawhai as a full-time coach at the end of the 2005 season marked another step forward for the club.

Tawhai left the Skolars at the end of 2007 to become assistant coach at Harlequins RL, and was succeeded by Tony Benson.[5] Benson left at the end of the 2008 season due to the logistical challenges of traveling from his home in Leigh, Greater Manchester[1]. Callum Irving, Benson's assistant, took over as head coach but resigned in July 2009 for personal reasons. Injured player Jermaine Coleman then served as interim head coach for the remainder of the season. In 2009, the club appointed its first full-time CEO, Philip Browne, who was later replaced by Howard Kramer in 2010. The Skolars finished the 2009 season in 10th place in the Championship One table, taking the wooden spoon with just one win and five points. James Massara, a Hammersmith-born 32-year-old, was named head coach in 2010, followed by the appointment of former Harlequins RL layer Joe Mbu in October 2010.

Under Mbu, the Skolars finished 4th in the Championship 1 in 2013, reaching the play-offs but failing to achieve promotion after being knocked out in the semi-finals. In 2014, the Skolars finished 7th out of 9 teams. Following a heavy defeat by Swinton Lions in the Challenge Cup early in the 2015 season, Mbu was released from his contract on 9 March.[6]

On 18 March 2015, the Skolars appointed ex-player and then Hemel Stags assistant coach Jermaine Coleman as head coach.[7] In his first season, Coleman led the Skolars to 11th place out of 14 teams. He strengthened the squad and guided the Skolars to a top-8 playoff position, securing a dramatic 23-22 win over the Gloucestershire All Golds.[8]

In 2021, Mbu returned as coach. However, the team struggled in the league, finishing 9th out of 11 in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons. The 2023 season was particularly challenging, the club announced it would withdraw from the professional structure and continue as a community club in the Southern Conference League.[2] On 29 July, they withdrew from the Southern Conference League, being unable to field for a number of matches.[9]

On 12 September 2024, it was reported that Australian Trevor McLachlan had been appointed as head coach.[10]

Past coaches

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Seasons

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Season League Challenge Cup Other competitions
Division P W D L F A Pts Pos Play-offs
2003 National League Two 18 1 1 16 222 876 3 10th Did not qualify R3
2004 National League Two 18 6 0 12 361 583 12 8th Did not qualify R4 Middlesex 9s W
2005 National League Two 18 2 0 16 258 620 4 10th Did not qualify R3
2006 National League Two 22 5 1 16 406 776 11 9th Did not qualify R4
2007 National League Two 22 8 1 13 448 610 30 9th Did not qualify R4
2008 National League Two 22 4 1 17 449 823 20 11th Did not qualify R4
2009 Championship 1 18 1 0 17 210 927 5 10th Did not qualify R3
2010 Championship 1 20 2 0 18 444 900 10 10th Did not qualify R3
2011 Championship 1 20 5 1 14 433 678 21 9th Did not qualify R4
2012 Championship 1 18 7 1 10 558 560 26 7th Did not qualify R3
2013 Championship 1 16 10 0 6 489 468 32 4th Lost in preliminary final R3
2014 Championship 1 19 5 14 0 443 609 23 7th Did not qualify R4
2015 Championship 1 22 5 17 0 388 671 10 11th Did not qualify R3
2016 League 1 21 8 0 13 470 650 16 8th Did not qualify R3
2017 League 1 15 6 1 8 367 453 13 11th Lost in Shield Final R4
2018 League 1 26 6 1 19 626 887 13 12th Did not qualify R3
2019 League 1 20 7 1 12 440 542 15 8th Did not qualify R3
2020 League 1 League abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom R3
2021 League 1 18 3 1 14 372 605 7 9th Did not qualify Did not participate
2022 League 1 20 6 0 14 440 827 12 9th Did not qualify R3
2023 League 1 18 0 0 18 254 897 0 10th Did not qualify R2
2024 Southern Conference League 12 0 0 12 74 476 0 9th Did not qualify Did not participate

Honours

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League

  • RFL London League:
Winners (3): 2000, 2001, 2004
  • Conference South Division:
Winners (2): 2000, 2002
  • Conference Eastern Division:
Winners (1): 1997

Cups

  • Conference Challenge Cup:
Winners (1): 2004
  • Harry Jepson Trophy:
Winners (2): 1997, 2012

Nines

  • Middlesex 9s:
Winners (1): 2003

Player Records

[edit]

Semi-professional era from 2003 to 2023

Most appearances

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Rank Player Apps. Points Skolars Career
1 England Gareth Honor 198 133 2003–2011
2 England Austen Aggrey 178 216 2004–2012
3 Jamaica Jermaine Coleman 164 116 2004–2011; 2015–2019; 2021
4 Jamaica Lamont Bryan 145 192 2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2017–2023
5= England Dave Williams 144 104 2010–2017
England Michael Sykes 32 2010–2019; 2021
7 England John Paxton 128 124 2009–2017
8 England Neil Thorman 119 518 2010–2012; 2018–2022
9 Jamaica Corey Simms 112 108 2005–2009
10 England Aaron Small 109 128 2010–2012; 2015–2017; 2021–2023

Most tries

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Rank Player Tries Apps. Skolars Career
1 England Austen Aggrey 54 178 2004–2012
2 England Ade Adebisi 52 68 2006; 2010–2013
3 Jamaica Lamont Bryan 48 145 2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2017–2023
4 England James Anthony 47 85 2011–2013; 2015
5 England Lameck Juma 42 97 2012; 2016–2023
6 England Gareth Honor 33 198 2003–2011
7= Wales Matt Thomas 32 83 2008–2012
England Aaron Small 109 2010–2012; 2015–2017; 2021–2023
9 England John Paxton 31 128 2009–2017
10 Australia Dylan Skee 30 72 2011–2013

Most goals

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Rank Player Goals D-Gls. Apps. Skolars Career
1 Australia Dylan Skee 229 1 72 2011–2013
2 England Neil Thorman 226 2 119 2010–2012; 2018–2022
3 England Paul Thorman 221 2 106 2007–2010
4 Jamaica Jy-mel Coleman 97 3 88 2009–2011; 2016–2019; 2021
5 England Mike Bishay 70 1 105 2013–2021
6 England Phil Lyon 67 0 47 2017–2018; 2022–2023
7 England Tim Gee 50 0 24 2005–2006
8 England Charlie Lawrence 46 2 50 2016–2018
9 England Jake Johnstone 45 0 24 2003
10 England Ben Joyce 36 2 69 2004–2006; 2009

Most points

[edit]
Rank Player Points Apps. Skolars Career
1 Australia Dylan Skee 579 72 2011–2013
2 England Neil Thorman 518 119 2010–2012; 2018–2022
3 England Paul Thorman 488 106 2007–2010
4 Jamaica Jy-mel Coleman 285 88 2009–2011; 2016–2019; 2021
5 England Mike Bishay 253 105 2013–2021
6 England Austen Aggrey 216 178 2004–2012
7 England Ade Adebisi 208 68 2006; 2010–2013
8 Jamaica Lamont Bryan 192 145 2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2017–2023
9 England James Anthony 188 85 2011–2013; 2015
10 England Lameck Juma 168 97 2012; 2016–2023

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Oxford league inspires : Oxford Rugby League v. London Skolars (match programme). Oxford: Oxford Rugby League. 2013.
  2. ^ a b Walker, Callum (15 September 2023). "London Skolars withdraw from League One in rugby league blow". Total Rugby League. Retrieved 15 September 2023.
  3. ^ "London Skolars » Skolars Accepted into the SCL for 2024". www.skolarsrl.com. Retrieved 23 July 2024.
  4. ^ "Hull KR shock Salford". BBC Sport. 8 September 2003. Retrieved 5 January 2014.
  5. ^ "'BENSON MAKES SKOLARS SWITCH". Sportinglife. 3 December 2007. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2007.
  6. ^ London Skolars » London Skolars Press Release – Joe Mbu Leaves Skolars
  7. ^ London Skolars » Skolars Announce Former Player Jermaine Coleman As New Head Coach
  8. ^ London Skolars » Jy-mel Coleman Secures Top 8 Spot for Skolars
  9. ^ https://www.skolarsrl.com/2024/07/29/club-statement-4/
  10. ^ "London Skolars appoint new coach and set out 2025 goals after failing to complete season". Total RL. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
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