Guy Armitage on rugby league code switch & impact of pandemic in London

Toulouse centre Guy Armitage has talked about the story that saw him make the switch to rugby league.

The 30-year-old had just left Ealing Trailfinders before making the switch. He had initially signed on for a trial at Hull FC.

However, Lee Radford had recommended he go on trial to London Broncos, who were playing out of Ealing at the time. That meant he had to move all of his stuff back to where he was, having initially packed up to go to Hull.

Speaking about the experience, he told Love Rugby League: “After Ealing, I actually moved out, took everything away and put it in my parents in Devon for a while.

“I went out on trial with Hull FC for two weeks. Nothing came of it, but Lee Radford said maybe I should go on trial at London Broncos.

“I had to go and explain that to my wife who just quit her job. Which was kind of funny, but we actually had to be exactly where we were.

“Yeah, I went back on loan there for about six weeks. And they signed me for the rest of the season and the season after.”

When Armitage signed for the Broncos, they were in the Super League. It was during the 2019 season when they were relegated on points difference.

Armitage said there was a real buzz around the club with the local players leading from the front.

He added: “There was a massive buzz. So when I when I rocked up there was all those boys come up through the academy together. And there was a real sense that these guys have known each other their whole lives, and they just,  played for each other and gave everything.

“I made my debut with them against Catalans Dragons away. To win that was huge. A week after we had Hull KR, won that and thought we’re on here.

“It went down to that last game against Wakefield and unfortunately went down