Featherstone Rovers Apply for Administration as Financial Crisis Deepens

Featherstone Rovers have applied to go into administration as the West Yorkshire club battles severe financial problems that have pushed it to the brink.

The club had been due in the High Court on Wednesday to face a winding-up order over unpaid debts, but said in a statement on Tuesday night that it hopes the hearing will now be adjourned while the administration process begins.

Rovers, whose men’s team compete in the Championship and whose women’s side recently won promotion back to Super League, described administration as the only remaining option.

The club said it is “unable to trade its way out of the present situation due to the level of debt it currently has” and therefore had “no choice” but to take this step.

Concerns over the club’s ability to take part in the 2026 season have intensified in recent weeks, although Rovers were still included in last month’s Challenge Cup draw.

The statement confirmed the club is already in discussions with the Rugby Football League “regarding a new club participating in the league and cup structure” next year, should a reboot become necessary.

“It is a regrettable course of action for all concerned, but ultimately, the only course of action available,” Rovers added.

Featherstone have come close to reaching Super League several times in recent seasons but have been weighed down by growing financial pressures, including a previous winding-up petition last year.

The club’s Millennium Stadium had also been leased to non-league side Wakefield AFC to help generate income, but that arrangement ended again last month when the football club relocated to Pontefract.