Featherstone Rovers are set to make a string of significant announcements in the coming weeks in light of a winding-up order issued against the club.
It emerged on Monday that Investec had filed an application to the High Court against the Championship club. It comes after a period in which a number of former players have made claims of unpaid wages following their departures from the club.
Rugby League Live is aware that the most recent winding-up order has nothing to do with players—rather, it relates to a prior equipment lease. The club thinks it will be sorted out soon. Regarding players, the club has agreements with four ex-players who have not yet received their full salaries; these agreements were reached after consulting with GMB. It is believed that the outstanding sum is not very valuable.
Beyond that, it’s anticipated that Rovers will confirm a number of significant announcements this month that will provide more light on the club’s future intentions. According to information obtained by Rugby League Live, the announcements will concern new business alliances, stadium upgrades, and board member additions.
The club has recently announced several new signings, which has been questioned given the financial difficulties the club has experienced since missing out on promotion to Super League last year. Along with the publicised issues with past players, the club had also outlined that they would be cutting their playing budget by around half ahead of the season.
Since then, a number of players have joined James Ford’s team, including Greg Eden and Ben Nakubuwai. It has been emphasized, meanwhile, that they have come in within the club’s original playing budget. Mackenzie Yei moved to Oldham, Ben Reynolds was traded to Hull KR, and Jayden Tanner, another player with a higher salary, left the team on Tuesday for personal reasons. Because of this, the team has been able to add players while still sticking to their playing budget.
Featherstone came in fifteenth in IMG’s indicative grade table the previous year and are currently fourth in the Championship.
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