Keighley Cougars Owners to Step Down After 2026 Season Amid Financial Pressures and Personal Abuse

The owners of Keighley Cougars have announced they will step down from their roles at the end of the 2026 season following seven years in charge of the rugby league club.

The decision was confirmed by co-owners Ryan O'Neill and Kaue Garcia, who cited ongoing financial pressures, sustained criticism and personal abuse as key factors behind their decision.

The announcement comes during a challenging period on the field, with Keighley suffering a fifth consecutive defeat after a 50-18 loss to Goole Vikings at Cougar Park.

In a statement, the pair said:

"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.

"Our 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."

O'Neill and Garcia explained that the pressures of club ownership had taken a significant personal toll, describing "immense stress and emotional exhaustion" resulting from sustained abuse, much of which they said was directed at their sexuality and support for the LGBT+ community.

The owners stated that a series of difficult periods, including defeats, coaching changes and other key decisions, often led to further criticism and personal attacks. They revealed that the impact on their wellbeing had become so significant that both had been prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

Reflecting on the challenges they have faced, they said:

"After the 2023 season, the volume and intensity of the abuse became overwhelming.

"It affected our sleep, our wellbeing and our mental health."

Despite the difficulties, the pair reiterated that their vision for the club has always centred on inclusion, sustainability and long-term stability rather than short-term success.

They said:

"We would rather lead a club that is stable, responsible and sustainable than one that spends recklessly in pursuit of short-term success.

"For the past seven years, we have done everything we could to serve this club to the best of our abilities.

"We are immensely proud of many of the achievements we have accomplished both on and off the field.

"From saving this great club, to improving the facilities from what we inherited, to having the perfect campaign in 2022, to showing solidarity with the Ukrainian kids facing the challenges of war, bringing football to Keighley and also a great concert that will hopefully put Keighley on the map and make residents feel proud of this town."

The owners also addressed criticism surrounding the club’s support of the LGBT+ community, including its hosting of seven Pride-themed matchdays.

They said:

"We have never apologised for standing alongside the LGBT+ community, and we never will.

"While we fully respect every supporter’s right to express their opinion and hold us accountable, there is a difference between criticism and personal attacks."

During their tenure, Keighley enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s recent history, completing an unbeaten League One season in 2022.

Announcing their decision to step away, O'Neill and Garcia added:

"Ultimately, while we remain proud of everything we have achieved, we have reached a point where we feel it is the right time for a new chapter—both for ourselves and for the club.

"Keighley 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.

"To the supporters, volunteers, staff, players, coaches, and sponsors who have stood by us throughout this journey – thank you.

"Your loyalty, passion and dedication are what make this club special."

The pair will remain in their positions until the conclusion of the 2026 season and intend to work towards identifying new owners who share the club’s values and vision for the future.