Featherstone Rovers denied membership of Rugby League in shock decision

The long history and tradition of the Post Office Road club has counted for nothing as the shock decision from the RFL has seen Rovers excluded for the 2026 season.

Rovers were included in the fixture list published in December, but went into administration. Only one bid was received to take over the club and that has not met the required criteria put forward by the league.

A statement put out by administrator Andrew Rosler said: “We can confirm the sad and disappointing decision made by the RFL to reject the sole bid for a Featherstone Rovers club to take part in the 2026 season.

"This followed a substantial amount of time and effort given by all parties.

"We will endeavour to seek out and engage with any interested parties to secure a future of the club.”

Rovers are now forced to sit out the 2026 campaign, which they were due to begin away to Batley Bulldogs on January 18, but the RFL say they are “committed to supporting a sustainable return of professional rugby league in the town”.

Their statement said: “The Rugby Football League can confirm that Featherstone Rovers have not been granted RFL membership or entry into the 2026 Betfred Championship.

"The club fell into administration in December and the one submission received to take ownership of the club has not met the required governance criteria and RFL membership has been denied.

“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.

“The 2026 Betfred Championship Season opens on Friday, January 16. All Featherstone Rovers fixtures will now be settled using the win percentage system as used during the Covid pandemic.

"The RFL is acutely aware of the financial impact to member clubs of losing a home fixture. Accordingly, it will ensure that some level of compensation is made available to all clubs suffering the loss of a home fixture.”