RUGBY Football League officials have announced the first batch of impromptu loop fixtures which will replace several clubs’ home games against Featherstone.
Rovers were excluded from this year’s competition after suffering financial problems last year. Initially the teams drawn to host them were to get a bye.
But that has changed, the League saying in a statement: “The replacement fixtures have been developed to ensure each club maintains their 24-game season, the solution being sought due to Featherstone Rovers not taking their place in the league in 2026.
“The replacement fixtures will see teams play against each other who were not due to play each other in the season, both home and away.”
The match-ups announced were:
Halifax Panthers v Swinton Lions
North Wales Crusaders v Salford RLFC
Oldham RLFC v Batley Bulldogs
London Broncos v Hunslet RLFC
Doncaster RLFC v Barrow Raiders
Widnes Vikings v Goole Vikings
Dates for the games are still being worked out. The Championship table will now abandon the percentage system after just one weekend, as clubs again have the same number of fixtures.