Featherstone Rovers apply for administration amid worsening financial crisis
Featherstone Rovers are fighting for their future after conceding defeat in their battle to avoid administration.
The West Yorkshire club were due to face a winding-up petition at the High Court over unpaid debts on Wednesday but the hearing is now set to be adjourned.
Featherstone have voluntarily applied for administration amid a worsening financial crisis.
Rovers, who spent heavily in their bid to reach Super League, conceded the company behind the club was "unable to trade its way out of the present situation due to the level of debt it currently has".
Featherstone owe more than £120,000 in unpaid tax and have struggled to meet wage bills since the departure of chairman Paddy Handley in September.
While Rovers are hopeful of launching a phoenix club and fulfilling their Championship fixtures, it is another troubling development for rugby league following the recent demise of Salford Red Devils.
"Rovers can confirm, ahead of the HMRC hearing in the High Court tomorrow, that – following professional advice – the company has had no choice but to apply to go into administration as it will be unable to trade its way out of the present situation due to the level of debt it currently has," read a statement released on Tuesday evening.
"The club has therefore, through its legal advisors, today made an application to court for a hearing at which we hope to be granted an administration order and we are now awaiting a date for that hearing.
"This will enable the winding-up petition to be adjourned tomorrow and will allow our professional representatives to take the necessary steps to properly deal with the affairs of the company moving forward.
"It is a regrettable course of action for all concerned but ultimately the only course of action available.
"We continue to be in dialogue with the RFL regarding a new club participating in the league and cup structure for 2026 and will keep fans updated on all of these matters as things progress."