Former London Broncos star Joe Mbu takes head coaching role in League 1

Drew Darbyshire
Joe Mbu

Former London Broncos star Joe Mbu has taken over the head coaching reins of League 1 club London Skolars.

The 37-year-old was head coach of the Skolars between 2010-15. As a result of Jermaine Coleman’s departure to become London Broncos head coach, Mbu has been re-appointed to the role.

Additionally, Mbu will balance his first-team duties with the Skolars alongside his role as head coach of the Nigeria national team.

He said: “I am very pleased to be returning as head coach.

“I enjoyed my previous stint and have maintained a huge fondness for the club and the local area. I’ve kept in touch with several players over the years.

“I look forward to working with some of them again and bringing new faces into the squad. Pre-season will be starting in a couple of weeks and I can’t wait to get underway.”

Furthemore, Mbu made more than 100 appearances for London Broncos as a player between 2003-06.

INS AND OUTS: League 1 ins and outs for 2022: Signings and retentions club-by-club

London Skolars pleased to appoint Joe Mbu

Skolars chief executive Colin Browne said: “We are delighted to welcome Joe back to the club. His achievements as a Super League player with the Broncos and Harlequins and as a coach at London Skolars fill us with enthusiasm for the future.

“We have every confidence in Joe to build a competitive squad and to bring the excitement back to New River.”

Mbu’s first match back in charge of the Skolars will be in the Capital Challenge against the Broncos at the Honourable Artillery Company on January 14.

Elsewhere in League 1: Rochdale sign Connor Aspey on loan from Salford

Rochdale have confirmed the signing of hooker Connor Aspey on loan from Super League side Salford for the 2022 League 1 season.

The 19-year-old made his Super League debut in 2020 against Hull Kingston Rovers. In addition, he has featured for Newcastle Thunder and North Wales Crusaders on loan. Also, he has spent time with Championship outfit Widnes on loan in 2021.

READ MORE: 40 years of pins in the professional rugby league map