The Rugby Football League has today granted RFL Membership approval to a new Halifax Panthers club who will take over participation in the 2026 Betfred Championship competition.
The decision was made at an RFL Board meeting following extensive work from a number of parties and a detailed application from the directors of the new entity to help ensure professional rugby league can continue in the West Yorkshire town.
The old club’s demise meant fixtures against Sheffield Eagles and Barrow Raiders remain unfulfilled. However, the new club, who will host London Broncos on Sunday [3pm], will work to ensure that those missed games are now undertaken on dates to be decided.
As part of the decision to re-instate them, Halifax will have a 12-point deduction applied for the 2026 Championship season.
RFL interim chief executive, Abi Ekoku, said: “The Rugby Football League is delighted to welcome Halifax back into the 2026 Betfred Championship.
“We understand the trauma to players, staff and fans in recent weeks; but remained hopeful that the club would have a chance of survival. That has proved to be the case, primarily down to an exceptional community, corporate and political effort.
“We wish them well for the rest of the competition and will continue to support them in that endeavour.”
Martyn Buchan, a local businessman who has led negotiations with the governing body for the new club, said: “It’s a great relief that Halifax Panthers will participate in 2026 to continue their 153-year membership of the Rugby Football League.
“Thanks to all the invested staff, sponsors, the governing body and the Calderdale Council who have helped make it possible for this to happen.
“The RFL has been really supportive in getting us to this stage and now, over this next period of time, we’ll be focusing on simplifying our model and doing more in the community for the good of rugby league in Halifax.”
The new club has five directors: Adam Butterfield, Jason Clough, Christopher Brooke, Benjamin Walker and John Coulter.
