London Skolars are delighted to announce that two former full time London Bronco’s players have committed to the club for this season. Which will come as a welcome surprise for the upcoming year.
The first signing captured from the club will be very familiar to those who have frequented both Skolars and Bronco’s games over the last few years. Erjon Dollapi a ferocious running prop originally hails from Gjakove, Kosovo. He moved over to England with his family during his childhood and settled into West London, he was introduced to Rugby league by his local club West London Sharks. His talent was immediately evident for those to see and he was drafted into the London Bronco’s academy by then Head of Youth Development Phil Jones. Again, he continued to impress, stepping up to the u20’s squad at just 18. He spent time sporadically on dual registration with the London Skolars, his debut was a particularly impressive one, with him running the full length of the pitch on the opening kickoff of the season away at South Wales. 2013 saw Erjon make his first team debut in Super League in a losing effort against Warrington Wolves. He then went on to rack up 30 more appearances for the club, also being ear marked as one of their more consistent performers in last year’s championship campaign.
Our second signing is that of utility Joe Ridley. Joe has covered many positions over his career such as back row and half back, but he is primarily a centre. He originally began playing Rugby Union in Essex but was recruited to Rugby League by London Bronco’s for their Foundation side, as one of the better performers in the side Joe progressed through the age groups and became the regular captain of the u20’s. During his time as captain of the team he was one of the stand out performers, which lead to him being signed full time. He featured as the 18th man for the first team a number of times before being sent on dual reg to London Skolars, where he then signed permanently. Ridley took several seasons out to recover from a couple of long standing injuries but has returned in good health and ready for the season ahead.
Both should be available to play this Friday in our Capital Challenge game, but will have a few scores to settle when we take on London Bronco’s on January 30th. To get your tickets for the London Clash click here.
