FAX ARE BACK: Rugby league will be returning to Halifax this Sunday as Panthers granted RFL membership
Rugby League will be returning to Halifax this weekend.
In sensational news for the town, the RFL has today (Tuesday) granted membership to a new Halifax Panthers club who will take over participation in the 2026 Betfred Championship competition.
The old club’s demise - having had their RFL membership removed and having been placed into compulsory liquidation in a High Court hearing - meant fixtures against Sheffield Eagles and Barrow Raiders remain unfulfilled.
However, the new club, who will host London Broncos this Sunday at The Shay, 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.
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.”
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.”
The new club has five directors Adam Butterfield, Jason Clough, Christopher Brooke, Benjamin Walker and John Coulter.
Plans are now racing ahead to ensure a team, still guided by head coach Kyle Eastmond, can take to the field against top-of-the-table London.
14 players remain from the squad which started the 2026 season, while negotiations are taking place with possible loan deals from other clubs.
Fans of the club are being encouraged to bring a friend to The Shay on Sunday to welcome the return of rugby league back to Halifax - and celebrate a new chapter for Fax.