Wakefield Council approves £500k support for rugby league in Featherstone
Funds aim to revive and secure club's participation
Wakefield Council has committed £500,000 to support the future of professional rugby league in Featherstone, following Featherstone Rovers' administration last December.
The fund aims to back the Rugby Football League's (RFL) plan to purchase and manage the town's Post Office Road ground, leasing it to a new operator.
Council cabinet members unanimously agreed on the financial support, expected to be matched by the RFL, with discussions ongoing for additional national funding.
The initiative, part of the council's Rugby League Resilience Fund, seeks to safeguard sporting assets and promote community participation and youth development in Featherstone.
Lukasz Borcz, the council's portfolio holder for leisure and sport, emphasized the importance of protecting assets for future generations and reducing risks of additional losses.
The council requires the RFL to verify a sustainable operating model before releasing funds.
Efforts are underway to establish a "phoenix club" ensuring a revival of rugby league at Featherstone Rovers, aiming for competition return by 2027.