Widnes’ Gilmore heads for London

Widnes Vikings have announced today that Tom Gilmore will spend the next month playing for London Broncos on a month-long loan.

Widnes-born Gilmore, 21, made his Super League debut in 2012 against London Broncos.

Denis Betts commented: “I would like to thank Joe Grima for offering Tom a great opportunity. Getting Tom out on loan has been a priority. He needs to play regular rugby. He’s a talented lad and he deserves now to be starting week in week out. With the strength of our squad in his position, it means that there are limited opportunities for Tom at the moment but we want to develop him so its great that he can get some decent game time with London.

“Again we would like to thank London Broncos for this opportunity for Tom to go there and play some high quality rugby under some good coaching structures.“

London Broncos head coach Joey Grima added: “Gilmore is a player that Widnes coach Denis Betts recommended as someone that can get us around the park. He has a sound kicking game and has played Super League level in 2014. We look forward to welcoming him to the squad.”

Broncos will be without Joe Keyes (two weeks) after concussion forced him from the field during the game against Sheffield and Nick Slyney (awaiting scans) after injury forced him from the field after five minutes. Richie Mathers was given the all clear earlier this week after leaving the field during Sunday’s game.