Featherstone Rovers' hopes of competing in the 2026 Championship are over after the club failed to meet the Rugby Football League's membership requirements.

The West Yorkshire outfit entered administration last month, casting doubt over their future.

Only one bid to take ownership of the club was received and has been deemed unsuitable by the RFL.

Featherstone will therefore sit out the upcoming campaign, meaning the new-look Championship will now run with 20 teams, but the governing body remains committed to supporting a return to professional rugby league.

Featherstone will sit out the 2026 campaign amid growing uncertainty. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Featherstone will sit out the 2026 campaign amid growing uncertainty. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

"The Rugby Football League can confirm that Featherstone Rovers have not been granted RFL membership or entry into the 2026 Betfred Championship," read a statement published on Friday evening.

"The club fell into administration in December and the one submission received to take ownership of the club has not met the required governance criteria and RFL membership has been denied.

"The RFL will continue to work with the administrator and remains committed to supporting a sustainable return of professional rugby league in the town of Featherstone moving forward.

"The 2026 Betfred Championship season opens on Friday 16 January. All Featherstone Rovers fixtures will now be settled using the win percentage system as used during the Covid pandemic.

"The RFL is acutely aware of the financial impact to member clubs of losing a home fixture. Accordingly, it will ensure that some level of compensation is made available to all clubs suffering the loss of a home fixture."