With all the changes that have happened over the years in rugby league many of the teams have gone through transformations and name changes - but not many will come close to Harlequins RL.

The roots of rugby league are firmly imbedded in the north of England - so much so that previous attempts to form a team in London had failed, with London Highfield, Acton & Willesden and Streatham & Mitcham all failing to last beyond two seasons in the 1930s.

However, in 1980 Fulham Football Club announced it would be creating a rugby league team - in order to provide extra revenue for the football team.

In front of 10,000 curious fans at Craven Cottage on the banks of the River Thames, Fulham beat Wigan 24-5 and went on to win promotion.

However, after just four years of yo-yoing between the First and Second Divisions, Fulham FC pulled the plug on the rugby league side.

A group of fans, led by Roy and Barbara Close, kept the club alive, though, and in 1991 they were renamed the London Crusaders.

They kept that name until the spring of 1994 when Australian side Brisbane Broncos bought the club and renamed them London Broncos.

In 1996 the club was selected to play in the inaugural Super League season on the basis that the League wanted a team from London.

1997 saw a further change, with Virgin boss Richard Branson getting involved with the club and moving them to The Stoop in Twickenham - home of Harlequins' rugby union side.

The move was a success and after signing Great Britain stars Martin Offiah and Shaun Edwards, the London Broncos came second in the Super League - still their best finish to date.

In 2006 came the next significant change. Businessman Ian Lenagan became the majority shareholder in the club and announced a partnership with Harlequins rugby union club, leading to another name change - Harlequins RL.

Under the coaching of Brian McDermott Harlequins have made steady progress under their new identity.