D-day approaching for Featherstone Rovers with RFL decision due
Featherstone Rovers expect to hear their fate this week on whether they can compete in the 2026 season.
The club’s future is in the hands of the RFL who have said they hope to reach an agreement on whether to accept Rovers’ membership of the league this week.
A decision must be made quickly with the league season due to start this month and Featherstone having been drawn out to play in the second round of the Challenge Cup in January.
Rovers have had to apply to re-enter the league after going into administration when being unable to pay their debts and facing up a winding up order, which has now been dismissed.
Administrators have expressed hopes that a Featherstone club will be able to compete in the 2026 season with one party ready to take over if membership is agreed.
And the club released an update on New Year’s Eve to confirm that the approval process for membership was ongoing.
A statement said: “The club can confirm that the approval process in respect of the submission for membership remains with the RFL.
“Dialogue has continued throughout the Christmas period to address any issues as all parties work towards a positive outcome.
"We will update further as soon as a decision is communicated to us.”
The RFL has since confirmed that talks are still taking place with the prospective new owners and that they hope a conclusion could be reached this week.
They realise the urgency of the situation with time running out to make it feasible for the club to be able to compete.
If Rovers are given the green light they face a frantic week to get in some sort of shape to play their first scheduled Betfred Championship game at Batley Bulldogs – ironically now coached by former Featherstone boss James Ford – on Sunday, January 18.
They are then due to meet either Brighouse Rangers or Lock Lane in the Challenge Cup a week later.
Firstly a coaching team would have to be put in place then sufficient players to fulfil the early fixtures will need to be assembled with many of last season’s squad having left the club and not enough left to field a full side.