The London Broncos U16s returned from a 12-day tour of Perpignan and the Catalan region with a double victory under their belt.

A 20-4 and 34-25 win over the Ambition Dragons – a Catalan scholarship team – had head of youth performance Phil Jones in buoyant mood.

He said: “This was the third successive tour and it was again a great success. It allows the lads to eat and breathe rugby league and also explore a different culture.

“All of the players were a credit to themselves, their parents, their London Junior League club and the London Broncos. The staff on the tour put in long hours to ensure that it was a successful 12 days.

“Finally it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the chairman, David Hughes, who was even there to support the lads prior to the Super League match.”

The Broncos have fielded a number of London-developed players in recent Super League games - of 33 players in the squad, 16 have come through the club’s system.

Hackney-born wing Kieran Dixon is fifth in the Super League try scoring charts, while Tony Clubb became the first locally produced player to be appointed captain of the London side.

Harry Little, 19, and Joel Wicks, 18, both made the step up to the Super League from the club’s U19s team and have played two and three games respectively.

Little and Wicks were among eight London-developed players to feature in the round 19 game against the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Another U19s player, half back James Woodburn Hall, 18, made his second and third appearances in Super League against Salford City Reds and Catalan Dragons having made his debut in round 10.

Mike Bishay, 20, and Erjon Dollapi, 20, have also made the step up to the first team this season, having spent time on dual registration with Hemel Stags and London Skolars respectively.

Bishay has made four Super League appearances this season since his debut in round 17, while Dollapi has appeared eight times following his debut in round 10.

London Broncos chief executive Gus Mackay said: “Investment over the years is now beginning to reap rewards with players coming through into the first team squad.

“This is important for the development of the game in London which in turn will provide us with a competitive Super League squad as well as providing players for future England representation.”