After the club’s financial struggles this off-season, Featherstone Rovers CEO Chris Hamilton has now confirmed he has left the club.
Hamilton was one of two men to set up the new Rovers company – ‘Rovers 2026’ – alongside Mark Campbell, in a bid to save the club from going under and allowing them to compete in the 2026 Championship season.
However, the RFL opted to deny Featherstone entry, on the grounds that there wasn’t enough financial security at the club, with the governing body looking to avoid a situation to that of Salford Red Devils in 2025.
Hamilton, who until November when he helped set up Rovers 2026, had not been involved in the club previously, but had been a part of the boardroom at Oldham RLFC in the past.
Companies House has shown that, after two months, both Hamilton and Campbell have left the business, and Hamilton also confirmed the news via a statement on LinkenIn.
What this means is there are currently no persons that officially have significant control of the club, given that the only Director and secretary have now departed.
Chris Hamilton exits Featherstone Rovers
Hamilton’s statement, posted on Monday, reads:
“I am sad to report that my time at Featherstone Rovers came to an end on 30 January 2026.”
“People will know that it has been a very difficult time for me and the club which ultimately ended with the club being rejected for entry into the Betfred Championship for 2026.”
“That decision, massive at the time, will continue to have knock on effects in the coming months and this decision is one of them.”
“Clearly, with no “rugby” income coming into the club, it is obvious that it is not economically viable for me to remain and therefore I made the decision to leave.”
“I tried my best during my time at the club but sometimes you have to accept that some things are beyond your control. It is not easy to accept but nevertheless it’s true.”
“I will still be trying to assist and help where I can but I now am in the market for a job!”
“I wish the club all the best in trying to secure it’s future inclusion in the league for 2027 because the game of rugby league is a poorer one without Rovers in it!”
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