Fixtures have been confirmed for the 2024 Southern Conference League (SCL), which is shaping as the most intense yet following the entry of London Skolars.
The Skolars, still playing at the New River Stadium on White Hart Lane in Haringey and coached by London league stalwart Joe Mbu, made the decision to step away from Betfred League One at the end of last season – and will instead line up in a nine-team competition which includes three other London teams, two of whom have already underlined their quality by earning places in the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.
Hammersmith Hills Hoists and Wests Warriors, who have shared the last four SCL titles with two apiece since 2019, have now been drawn against each other in the Third Round next month – meaning the SCL is guaranteed historic representation in the Fourth Round, with the winners of the all-London tie to face a trip to Halifax Panthers or Whitehaven.
The Warriors have also announced an official partnership for 2024 with Cornwall RLFC, ahead of their third season in Betfred League One.
London Chargers, who were beaten by the Warriors in consecutive SCL Grand Finals in 2021 and 2022, complete the capital quartet in the 2024 competition.
There is a strong South-East bias, with Brentwood Eels and the Colchester-based Eastern Rhinos representing Essex, and North Herts Crusaders and Bedford Tigers a little further up the M1.
That leaves the ambitious Bristol All Golds flying the flag for the West in 2024.
They have a bye in the first round of fixtures on Saturday April 13, when Hammersmith launch their title defence at home to North Herts, Wests Warriors travel to the Rhinos, the Chargers host Brentwood, and the Skolars kick off at home to Bedford.
Bristol join the action the following weekend at North Herts before their first home game against Bedford on April 27 – when the Skolars host the Warriors in a fascinating clash.
There are 14 rounds of fixtures through May, June, July and August – with a blank weekend for Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley on June 8 – before the top four teams play in Semi Finals on August 31, followed by the 2024 SCL Grand Final on Saturday September 7.
As in 2023, a number of regional leagues will also run in the South and the Midlands, with details of the Harry Jepson Trophy – following its welcome return last year, when Medway Dragons beat Telford Raiders in the Final - to be announced soon.
Southern Conference League 2024 – Key Dates
Opening Round – Saturday April 13
- Eastern Rhinos v Wests Warriors
- Hammersmith Hills Hoists v North Herts Crusaders
- London Chargers v Brentwood Eels
- London Skolars v Bedford Tigers
Semi Finals – Saturday August 31
Grand Final – Saturday September 7
