Rugby club's fans say liquidation was huge shock

Halifax Panthers fans blindsided by news of their club's liquidation have spoken of their shock at the development.

The 153-year-old club was wound-up on Monday because of money owed to His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, leaving its future up in the air.

David Durbin, chair of the Halifax RLFC Independent Supporters Trust, said fans were caught off guard by the news, which came just two games into the 2026 season.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "We were led to believe that all the club's debts were being managed. Clearly whatever they have been offering to HMRC hasn't been acceptable."

In a statement released on Monday, Halifax Panthers, who play in the second tier, said liquidation following the "long-running dispute" was "not necessarily the end of the club".

They added: "Our focus is on working with all parties to secure the best possible outcome and a sustainable future for Halifax Panthers."

Durbin said the Trust had begun trying to raise funds for the club to help secure its future.

"While we were aware of the ongoing issue with HMRC, this is clearly not the result that we expected or the club expected," he said.

"The big question is where we go from here. We will be in conversation with the club later today to find out how we can support it."

The Panthers' plight comes after their West Yorkshire neighbours Featherstone Rovers, one of the Championship's most successful clubs in recent years, went into administration in December.

Rovers remain in limbo after they were denied entry to the second tier for the 2026 campaign by the the Rugby Football League (RFL), which governs the sport in England.

Top-flight side Salford Red Devils were also liquidated by the High Court in December over outstanding debts. A phoenix club, Salford RLFC, have begun the 2026 season in the second tier.

Durbin said he hoped Panthers would be able to see out the new campaign, which began with a win over Batley on 1 February.

"We have been waiting for somebody with deep pockets for years," he said.

"Like most clubs, that's not realistic. Something else needs to be done to keep us on track for the rest of the season."

In a statement, the RFL said it would meet this week "to consider all options".

"Our thoughts are with the players, coaches, club staff and fans that will be affected on hearing today's news."

Rugby league journalist and lifelong Halifax fan Matt Shaw said the future of rugby league in the town was "unclear" without the prospect of new owners.

"Quite bluntly, there probably isn't one," he added.

"For now, you have got a community in shock.

"You have got families, friendship groups, a community, that are used to going to watch rugby league every Sunday, seeing the same faces, and they don't know if they will ever get to experience that again."

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