A new Halifax Panthers club has been granted permission to take over the former club’s participation in the second-tier Championship this season.
It means that Barrow will get back their lost fixture which was postponed last Sunday because of the old club’s demise.
Fixtures against Sheffield Eagles and Barrow Raiders have both been unfulfilled, however the RFL have said the new club would ensure those missed games were now undertaken on dates to be decided.
The Panthers lost their RFL membership after they went into liquidation last month over unpaid debts to HMRC.
Although they are back in business and accepted into the Championship the club will face a 12-point deduction this season under their new owners.
RFL interim chief executive Abi Ekoku said: “We understand the trauma to players, staff and fans in recent weeks; but remained hopeful that the club would have a chance of survival.
“That has proved to be the case, primarily down to an exceptional community, corporate and political effort.
“We wish them well for the rest of the competition and will continue to support them in that endeavour.”
Martyn Buchan, a local businessman who led negotiations for the new club, said: “It’s a great relief that Halifax Panthers will participate in 2026 to continue their 153-year membership of the Rugby Football League.
“Thanks to all the invested staff, sponsors, the governing body and the Calderdale Council who have helped make it possible for this to happen.
“The RFL has been really supportive in getting us to this stage and now, over this next period of time, we’ll be focusing on simplifying our model and doing more in the community for the good of rugby league in Halifax.”
