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Keighley Cougars have shared a statement confirming that owners Ryan O\u2019Neill and Kaue Garcia will step away at the end of the season, with the next few months shaped around finding suitable new owners of the West Yorkshire club.<\/p>\n
In an emotional statement that detailed the highs and lows of their seven years in charge, the pair confirmed that ultimately they had made the \u2018difficult decision to step away\u2019 from their roles as custodians of the club.<\/p>\n
January 2019 is when a consortium led by former owner Mick O\u2019Neill, the father of Ryan, bought out the club as they were saved from special measures, with the club going on to have success in League One, when they won the competition in 2022.<\/p>\n
That saw them promoted to the Championship and despite spending heavily, they finished 13th and were relegated with both O\u2019Neill and Garcia vocal in their opposition to the introduction of IMG grading and what they deemed \u2018spreadsheet rugby league\u2019.<\/p>\n
They felt that effectively closed the door on promotion to Super League for ambitious clubs and after confirmation that a salary cap will be imposed in the Championship from 2027<\/a> onwards, that belief will have surely only strengthened.<\/p>\n Their statement explained: \u201cIn the light of the changes made by the RFL, specifically making promotion almost impossible, over the last year we made the difficult but necessary decisions to reshape the club into a sustainable operation. That meant reducing expenditure and ensuring our budget reflected the revenues the club generates. We knew this would mean we would no longer spend at the levels we had in previous years when promotion was a possibility, but we firmly believe it was the right thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here to watch the latest episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show.<\/a><\/p>\n Keighley Cougars owners explain decision to walk away<\/p>\n The statement also pointed to the many recent examples of clubs either going under or having financial difficulties and not wanting Keighley to become another example, however, the statement also pointed to the vitriolic and homophobic abuse that the pair have received over the last seven years as playing a key factor in their decision to step down.<\/p>\n They explained: \u201cNo matter what decisions we make, there are always voices claiming we are ruining the club. Much of that criticism centres around our commitment to inclusion, our support for the LGBT+ community, and the accusation of \u201cnot knowing what we are doing\u201d because we are a gay couple who supposedly know nothing about rugby. We heard countless times that we should \u201cfocus on rugby\u201d rather than other initiatives.<\/p>\n \u201cYet despite the noise, we remained focused on our commitment and belief that Keighley Cougars should be a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of background, religion, sexuality, or gender identity, we wanted our club to be a home for all.\u201d<\/p>\n They added: \u201cWe have never apologised for standing alongside the LGBT+ community, and we never will. However, the constant personal attacks have taken a toll bit by bit.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery defeat, every difficult decision, every player departure or coaching change often triggered another wave of abuse. While we fully respect every supporter\u2019s right to express their opinion and hold us accountable, there is a difference between criticism and personal attacks.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter the 2023 season, the volume and intensity of the abuse became overwhelming. It affected our sleep, our wellbeing and our mental health. We both experienced periods of immense stress and emotional exhaustion, to the point where we both were prescribed anti-anxiety medication. At times, the pressure became incredibly difficult to cope, so much so that we just wanted to up and disappear.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 2024, we released a video highlighting some of the abuse we receive. It sparked important conversations and brought attention to an issue that exists not only in rugby league but across sport and society. Yet the cycle continues.\u201d<\/p>\n As such, O\u2019Neill and Garcia have opted to walk away with their next few months dedicated to finding new ownership that can continue to progress the Cougards.<\/p>\n After a lot of reflection we have made the difficult decision to step away from our roles as custodians of Keighley Cougars at the end of this 2026 season.<\/p>\n Their statement concluded: \u201cKeighley Cougars has been a huge part of our lives for seven years. We have celebrated unforgettable moments together, faced challenges together, and poured our hearts into building something with incredible people by our side.<\/p>\n \u201cTo the supporters, volunteers, staff, players, coaches, and sponsors who have stood by us throughout this journey \u2013 thank you.<\/p>\n \u201cYour loyalty, passion and dedication are what make this club special.<\/p>\n \u201cOur commitment between now and the end of the season remains unchanged. We will continue to work hard every day to ensure the club is left in the strongest possible position and to identify the right people to carry Keighley Cougars forward.<\/p>\n \u201cThis club existed long before us and will continue long after us.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will leave knowing that we gave everything we had, always with the best interests of Keighley Cougars at heart.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you for allowing us to be part of this remarkable story.\u201d<\/p>\n Very important message from Ryan and Kauehttps:\/\/t.co\/gQT6TYZBgx<\/a>#cougars<\/a> #cougarmania<\/a> #rugbyleague<\/a> #keighleycougars<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/M3Aq2hJ94L<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Keighley Cougars (@Cougarmania) June 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1768085712_213_srl-logo.png\"\/){kind=logo}
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