Featherstone Rovers fans have celebrated the highs and lows of the Rugby Football League (RFL) for more than a century, but for the first time in its rich history they have been denied a place in the structure. Supporters say the economic impact could be similar to the struggles experienced during the Covid pandemic.
“Without the club, the community feels a gaping hole,” fan Scott Haslam says.
The Wakefield councillor, who is also a postal worker, has been a lifelong Featherstone fan and worries about the knock-on effects of no matches in 2026.
“If they are not playing at home, Featherstone is like a ghost town, when they are they are pumping on all cylinders,” he says.
The club went into administration in December and one takeover bid submitted did not meet the required criteria set by the RFL.
Rovers had been set to begin their 2026 campaign with a Championship fixture away at Batley Bulldogs last Sunday as well as kicking off their Challenge Cup campaign this weekend.
“The RFL will continue to work with the administrator and remains committed to supporting a sustainable return of professional rugby league in the town of Featherstone moving forward,” an RFL statement said.