Castleford Tigers news: pain in Spain as Benidorm Bash v Oldham cancelled
Castleford Tigers have been left fuming after a planned pre-season game in Spain was cancelled.
Tigers were due to play Betfred Championship side Oldham in Benidorm on Saturday, January 10. The clubs say the fixture will go ahead in the UK, on a date yet to be agreed.
The match was scheduled as part of a ‘Benidorm Bash’ rugby league festival which had been set to feature two other13-a-side matches, including one involving amateur club Kippax, as well as a nines tournament and beach rugby.
Tigers and Oldham issued a joint statement today (Friday) insisting the decision to cancel was taken by the organisers. It said: “Oldham Rugby League and Castleford Tigers learned yesterday, via email communications sent directly to supporters, that ORLFC have apparently withdrawn from the Benidorm Bash Festival. Both clubs would like to make clear the decision to cancel the fixture, set to take place on January 10, has been taken by its organisers.
We understand the significant frustration both sets of supporters have experienced as a result of the organisers' actions. For clarity, neither ORLFC or Castleford have received any monies from ticket sales, with supporters urged to contact Benidorm Bash for refunds. Both ORLFC and Castleford intend for the fixture to go ahead, instead taking place in the UK, at a rescheduled date to be confirmed.”
In happier news for Tigers, the club have agreed a centenary season partnership with used car retailer Motorpoint Castleford, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026. The business’ general manager Ben Hart said: “We’re really excited to be working with Castleford Tigers again this season. Building on our long-standing relationship with the club, we’re looking forward to heading down to the OneBore Stadium and having a real presence on match days. Beyond this, we'll be working with the Tigers to support broader community initiatives they have planned over the next 12 months.”
Club commercial director Craig Jeffels added: “We are delighted to welcome Motorpoint to Castleford Tigers as official club partners for our 2026 centenary season. As a national company with a local presence in Castleford, it’s great to be partnering with them again for our special year.”