Featherstone Rovers
Encyclopedia
Featherstone Rovers are a semi-professional rugby league
club, based in Featherstone
, West Yorkshire
, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century. To many people they are known as Fev or The Colliers, highlighting the close link between the club and the local mining community. The idea that if they were short of a player or two before match time they would trawl the local collieries to make up the numbers is purely a myth. In fact, the club and the town have a reputation for producing a conveyor belt of talented junior players with many of them playing at various Super League clubs. Featherstone is a small former coalmining town with a population of around 16,000 and for many years "Fev" have graced the top levels of the game in a manner that belies their small-town background. Their local rivals are Castleford
, Wakefield Trinity
and Leeds Rhinos
. They have recently won the co-operative championship play-offs against sheffield as well as finishing top of the league table
The club have won the Rugby League Challenge Cup
three times, in 1967, 1973 and 1983, and been Champions once, in 1977
.
in 1898 and became the town's first rugby league team. They folded in 1902.
A new club, Featherstone Rovers, was formed in the Railway Hotel in 1902, reformed in 1906 and joined the Northern Union
in 1907. The club was originally made up of local miners and between 1912 and 1913 played at the Featherstone Main Colliery Welfare Ground. In 1913 Featherstone Rovers merged with Purston White Horse.
Featherstone became a semi-professional club on 14 June 1921, beating Bradford Northern
in their first game as a senior club. Their first game at Post Office Road attracted 4,000 fans.
Rovers reached the Championship final after just seven seasons, losing 11–0 to Swinton
and were beaten by Leeds
in the following season's Yorkshire Cup decider.
Rovers' first major silverware was won in 1939/40, when they lifted the Yorkshire Cup
.
was in the 1952 Challenge Cup
Final, the first to be televised. They were defeated 18–10 by Workington Town
in front of a crowd of 72,093.
In 1959, the club's record attendance was set at 17,531 for a third round Challenge Cup match against St Helens. This was more than the population of the village of Featherstone.
Rovers' first ever Challenge Cup Final success came in 1967 when despite their lowly league position they defeated Bradford Northern
, Wakefield Trinity
, Castleford
and Leeds
to get to Wembley Stadium. Barrow
provided the opposition in the final where a crowd of 77,000 paid a then record £54,435 to watch the game. Rovers won the match 17–12. Only Widnes
in 1937 had accomplished the feat from a lower position in the league table.
Rovers repeated the feat seven years later, when Bradford Northern
were beaten 33–14. Cyril Kellett's 8-goals for Featherstone Rovers against Bradford Northern
in the 1973 Challenge Cup Final is still a record that has only been matched by Iestyn Harris
for Leeds
against London Broncos 1999 Challenge Cup Final.
In 1966/67, Featherstone Rovers reached the final of the Yorkshire Cup but were beaten 25–12 by Hull Kingston Rovers
. Rovers featured in a 1969 BBC documentary 'The Game that Got Away' which profiled the state of rugby league in 1969 and the on and off-field fortunes of Rovers.
Rovers were crowned Division One champions in 1976/77 and won the Second Division title three years later. They again reached the Yorkshire Cup final in 1977/78 and were beaten 17–7 by Castleford.
Allan Agar
joined Featherstone as captain-coach in December 1982.
Featherstone Rovers won the Challenge Cup
as underdogs on 7 May 1983 beating Hull 14–12 in front of an 84,969 Wembley crowd. Steve Quinn secured their victory with a late penalty goal.
During the miners' strike
of 1984–1985, the club allowed pass holders in for that season free with the understanding they would pay for their passes when the strike had ended.
Featherstone sold Post Office Road to the local council in February 1988.
Rovers won the Second Division title when they were relegated for the 1992–93 season.
season and changed from a winter to a summer season. When a Rupert Murdoch-funded Super League competition was proposed, part of the deal was that some traditional clubs would merge. Featherstone Rovers were asked to merge with local rivals Castleford
and Wakefield Trinity
to form a new club, Calder, which would compete in the Super League. Trinity's shareholders voted 2:1 in favour of a merger but Featherstone's members voted against by a large margin and this was resisted.
Rovers finished 11th in the 16-team First Division but were effectively relegated to make way for London Broncos and Paris Saint-Germain. Featherstone went within a whisker of gaining Super League status in 1998, when they were beaten 24–22 by neighbours Wakefield in the promotion-deciding inaugural First Division grand final.
Peter Roe was in charge of Featherstone from 1999 to October 2001, before leaving to take charge of Wakefield Trinity
. He was replaced by his assistant Ian Fairhurst.
In November 2002, Featherstone went into administration, owing the Inland Revenue £97,000 and with total debts of £403,000.
In September 2003, Andy Kelly
's contract was not renewed following their failure to reach the National League One play-offs for the first time in six years.
In 2005, David Hobbs was appointed coach of Featherstone Rovers half-way through the season after Gary Price
left, he failed to save Rovers from relegation to National League Two
.
at Headingley
.
In November 2010 it was announced by Rovers that they would not be applying for a super league license for the 2012 season. Although Rovers have ambitions to play in Super League, they say they are not yet in a position to apply for a licence. They accept they have to increase their support base before they are able to make a realistic application.
The close season saw the departure of club chief executive Andy Prout to be replaced by Stuart Sheard.
40–4 in the Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium
in Warrington
as well as topping the league in the regular season.
. Featherstone are in a rare situation, that they own an expanse of land around the current stadium. The proposed development would include a supermarket, community sports facilities and a purpose-built 12,000 capacity stadium though this could be reduced to a 6,500 modular design. Should it be needed the capacity can be increased to the required 12,000 if the club bid successfully for 2015 or 2018. Though more recent plans on the website state that the club "see the provision of a 21st Century stadium through the enhancement (and movement!) of the existing Post Office Road pitch, development and provision of new stands and integral function and educational suites which will enable us to build on our existing and unique award winning community programmes."
Top tier of Rugby League
Second tier of Rugby League
Third tear of Rugby League
Other honours:
, were international representatives before, or after, their time at Featherstone Rovers, or are notable outside of rugby league.
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
club, based in Featherstone
Featherstone
Featherstone is a town and civil parish in the City of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England. It lies south-west of Pontefract and has a population of 14,175.Featherstone railway station is on the Pontefract Line.-History:...
, West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire is a metropolitan county within the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England with a population of 2.2 million. West Yorkshire came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972....
, England. They currently play in the Championship. The Rovers are one of the last vestiges of "small town teams" that were once common in rugby league during the early twentieth century. To many people they are known as Fev or The Colliers, highlighting the close link between the club and the local mining community. The idea that if they were short of a player or two before match time they would trawl the local collieries to make up the numbers is purely a myth. In fact, the club and the town have a reputation for producing a conveyor belt of talented junior players with many of them playing at various Super League clubs. Featherstone is a small former coalmining town with a population of around 16,000 and for many years "Fev" have graced the top levels of the game in a manner that belies their small-town background. Their local rivals are Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
, Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
and Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
. They have recently won the co-operative championship play-offs against sheffield as well as finishing top of the league table
The club have won the Rugby League Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
three times, in 1967, 1973 and 1983, and been Champions once, in 1977
1976-77 Northern Rugby Football League season
The 1976–77 Rugby Football League season was the eighty first season of rugby league football.-Season summary:The League Champions were Featherstone Rovers for the first and, to date, only time. During the season, the Salford versus Leeds match was abandoned after 38 minutes when Chris...
.
Early years
Featherstone Trinity RUFC were formed in 1889. Featherstone Trinity played their first game on the New Inn fields against Castleford Mill Lane Rovers. The following season in 1890, Featherstone had 19 games without defeat. They dropped the Trinity to become simply Featherstone RUFC in 1894. Featherstone voted to join the Northern UnionRugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
in 1898 and became the town's first rugby league team. They folded in 1902.
A new club, Featherstone Rovers, was formed in the Railway Hotel in 1902, reformed in 1906 and joined the Northern Union
Rugby Football League
The Rugby Football League is the governing body for professional rugby league football in England. Based at Red Hall in Leeds, it administers the England national rugby league team, the Challenge Cup, Super League and the Rugby League Championships...
in 1907. The club was originally made up of local miners and between 1912 and 1913 played at the Featherstone Main Colliery Welfare Ground. In 1913 Featherstone Rovers merged with Purston White Horse.
Featherstone became a semi-professional club on 14 June 1921, beating Bradford Northern
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
in their first game as a senior club. Their first game at Post Office Road attracted 4,000 fans.
Rovers reached the Championship final after just seven seasons, losing 11–0 to Swinton
Swinton Lions
Swinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
and were beaten by Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
in the following season's Yorkshire Cup decider.
Rovers' first major silverware was won in 1939/40, when they lifted the Yorkshire Cup
Rugby league county cups
Historically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
.
Post-war
Rovers' first visit to Wembley StadiumWembley Stadium
The original Wembley Stadium, officially known as the Empire Stadium, was a football stadium in Wembley, a suburb of north-west London, standing on the site now occupied by the new Wembley Stadium that opened in 2007...
was in the 1952 Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
Final, the first to be televised. They were defeated 18–10 by Workington Town
Workington Town
Workington Town is a professional rugby league club playing in Workington in West Cumbria. They play in the Championship 1. Their stadium is called Derwent Park, which they share with Workington Comets, a speedway team....
in front of a crowd of 72,093.
In 1959, the club's record attendance was set at 17,531 for a third round Challenge Cup match against St Helens. This was more than the population of the village of Featherstone.
Rovers' first ever Challenge Cup Final success came in 1967 when despite their lowly league position they defeated Bradford Northern
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
, Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
, Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
and Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
to get to Wembley Stadium. Barrow
Barrow Raiders
Barrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria....
provided the opposition in the final where a crowd of 77,000 paid a then record £54,435 to watch the game. Rovers won the match 17–12. Only Widnes
Widnes Vikings
Widnes Vikings RLFC are an English professional rugby league club based in Widnes, Cheshire. They currently play in the Engage Super League, the top tier of European rugby league, after being awarded a license to compete in the top-flight Super League from 2012 onward...
in 1937 had accomplished the feat from a lower position in the league table.
Rovers repeated the feat seven years later, when Bradford Northern
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
were beaten 33–14. Cyril Kellett's 8-goals for Featherstone Rovers against Bradford Northern
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
in the 1973 Challenge Cup Final is still a record that has only been matched by Iestyn Harris
Iestyn Harris
Iestyn Rhys Harris is a Welsh former rugby league footballer, who is currently the assistant coach at Wigan Warriors. Harris is a former Man of Steel winner and has also represented Wales on numerous occasions at both codes of rugby...
for Leeds
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
against London Broncos 1999 Challenge Cup Final.
In 1966/67, Featherstone Rovers reached the final of the Yorkshire Cup but were beaten 25–12 by Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers
Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
. Rovers featured in a 1969 BBC documentary 'The Game that Got Away' which profiled the state of rugby league in 1969 and the on and off-field fortunes of Rovers.
Rovers were crowned Division One champions in 1976/77 and won the Second Division title three years later. They again reached the Yorkshire Cup final in 1977/78 and were beaten 17–7 by Castleford.
Allan Agar
Allan Agar
Allan Agar is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. Allan Agar is also the father of Richard Agar.A /, i.e. number 7, he played in the 1972–73 Northern Rugby Football League season's championship final for Dewsbury, helping them to victory....
joined Featherstone as captain-coach in December 1982.
Featherstone Rovers won the Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
as underdogs on 7 May 1983 beating Hull 14–12 in front of an 84,969 Wembley crowd. Steve Quinn secured their victory with a late penalty goal.
During the miners' strike
UK miners' strike (1984–1985)
The UK miners' strike was a major industrial action affecting the British coal industry. It was a defining moment in British industrial relations, and its defeat significantly weakened the British trades union movement...
of 1984–1985, the club allowed pass holders in for that season free with the understanding they would pay for their passes when the strike had ended.
Featherstone sold Post Office Road to the local council in February 1988.
Rovers won the Second Division title when they were relegated for the 1992–93 season.
Summer era
In 1996, the first tier of British rugby league clubs played the inaugural Super LeagueSuper League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
season and changed from a winter to a summer season. When a Rupert Murdoch-funded Super League competition was proposed, part of the deal was that some traditional clubs would merge. Featherstone Rovers were asked to merge with local rivals Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
and Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
to form a new club, Calder, which would compete in the Super League. Trinity's shareholders voted 2:1 in favour of a merger but Featherstone's members voted against by a large margin and this was resisted.
Rovers finished 11th in the 16-team First Division but were effectively relegated to make way for London Broncos and Paris Saint-Germain. Featherstone went within a whisker of gaining Super League status in 1998, when they were beaten 24–22 by neighbours Wakefield in the promotion-deciding inaugural First Division grand final.
Peter Roe was in charge of Featherstone from 1999 to October 2001, before leaving to take charge of Wakefield Trinity
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
. He was replaced by his assistant Ian Fairhurst.
In November 2002, Featherstone went into administration, owing the Inland Revenue £97,000 and with total debts of £403,000.
In September 2003, Andy Kelly
Andy Kelly (rugby league)
Andy Kelly is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at club level has played for Wakefield Trinity , Hull Kingston Rovers and Illawarra Steelers, playing at , i.e. number 11 or 12....
's contract was not renewed following their failure to reach the National League One play-offs for the first time in six years.
In 2005, David Hobbs was appointed coach of Featherstone Rovers half-way through the season after Gary Price
Gary Price (rugby league)
Gary H. Price is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats , South Sydney Rabbitohs, Featherstone Rovers, and York, playing at , or , i.e...
left, he failed to save Rovers from relegation to National League Two
Rugby League National Leagues
The Championship, known as Co-operative Championship due to sponsorship by The Co-operative Group, is a professional rugby league competition based in the United Kingdom. It is currently contested by ten teams from England. It acts as Europe's second-tier competition below the Super League, and has...
.
Friends of Featherstone Revolution – 2006 onwards
In late 2006, the "Friends Of Featherstone" were formed, their main aim being to provide money for contracts for players to ensure that Rovers gained promotion to National League One. The money raised enabled Rovers to sign players such as Paul Handforth, Chris Ross, Tom Haughey, Jamie Field and Loz Wildbore.National League Two Grand Final Winners
In 2007, Rovers won promotion back to National League One (The Second level on the pyramid) from National League Two after a two year absence with a 24–6 win over OldhamOldham Roughyeds
Oldham Roughyeds is an English professional rugby league club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Championship One. Oldham is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895....
at Headingley
Headingley Stadium
Headingley Stadium is a sporting complex in the Leeds suburb of Headingley in West Yorkshire, England. It is the home of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, rugby league team Leeds Rhinos and rugby union team Leeds Carnegie ....
.
Licensing
As of the start of the 2009 season clubs wishing to participate in the Super League competition have to gain a licence granted by the Rugby Football League removing promotion to and relegation from the top tier. Featherstone did apply for the first round of licences though with the popular view this would not be successful and could be used as a learning experience for future bids. In July 2008 The RFL made its decision selection all current Super League teams plus two from the National Leagues Salford City Reds and Celtic Crusaders.In November 2010 it was announced by Rovers that they would not be applying for a super league license for the 2012 season. Although Rovers have ambitions to play in Super League, they say they are not yet in a position to apply for a licence. They accept they have to increase their support base before they are able to make a realistic application.
2010 Co-Operative Championship
In the 2010 season, Rovers finised first in the league table with a 100% away record and claimed the League Leaders Shield. They reached the Championship Grand Final (taking place on 26 September 2010 at the Haliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington) by beating Halifax 46–16 in the Semi-Final. They went on to lose the final to Halifax 23–22 in extra time.The close season saw the departure of club chief executive Andy Prout to be replaced by Stuart Sheard.
2011 Co-Operative Championship Grand Final Winners
In 2011 Featherstone went one better than 2010 by beating Sheffield EaglesSheffield Eagles
Sheffield Eagles RLFC are an English rugby league club based in the South Yorkshire city of Sheffield. They currently play in the Co-operative Championship. Their home games are played at Bramall Lane after leaving Don Valley Stadium in late 2009....
40–4 in the Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium
Halliwell Jones Stadium
Halliwell Jones Stadium is a rugby league stadium in Warrington, England that is the home ground of Warrington Wolves. It has also staged Challenge Cup semi-finals, the European Nations Final and the National League Grand Finals' Day....
in Warrington
Warrington
Warrington is a town, borough and unitary authority area of Cheshire, England. It stands on the banks of the River Mersey, which is tidal to the west of the weir at Howley. It lies 16 miles east of Liverpool, 19 miles west of Manchester and 8 miles south of St Helens...
as well as topping the league in the regular season.
The future
Late 2008 saw a major announcement in the history of Featherstone Rovers, a possible move away from Post Office RoadPost Office Road
Post Office Road, currently styled as the Bigfellas Stadium for sponsorship purposes , is a rugby league ground in Featherstone, near Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England...
. Featherstone are in a rare situation, that they own an expanse of land around the current stadium. The proposed development would include a supermarket, community sports facilities and a purpose-built 12,000 capacity stadium though this could be reduced to a 6,500 modular design. Should it be needed the capacity can be increased to the required 12,000 if the club bid successfully for 2015 or 2018. Though more recent plans on the website state that the club "see the provision of a 21st Century stadium through the enhancement (and movement!) of the existing Post Office Road pitch, development and provision of new stands and integral function and educational suites which will enable us to build on our existing and unique award winning community programmes."
Club honours
- Challenge CupChallenge CupThe Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
- Winners 1967, 1973, 1983
- Runners-up 1952, 1974
Top tier of Rugby League
- Championship
- Winners 1976–77
- Runners-up 1927–28
Second tier of Rugby League
- Division Two
- Winners 1979–80, 1992–93
- Division Two Premiership
- Winners 1992–93
- Runners-up 1987–88
- 1st Division Grand Final
- Runners-up 1998
- Co-Operative ChampionshipRugby League National LeaguesThe Championship, known as Co-operative Championship due to sponsorship by The Co-operative Group, is a professional rugby league competition based in the United Kingdom. It is currently contested by ten teams from England. It acts as Europe's second-tier competition below the Super League, and has...
- Premierships 2011
- Minor Premiership 2010, 2011
Third tear of Rugby League
- National League Two Grand FinalRugby League National LeaguesThe Championship, known as Co-operative Championship due to sponsorship by The Co-operative Group, is a professional rugby league competition based in the United Kingdom. It is currently contested by ten teams from England. It acts as Europe's second-tier competition below the Super League, and has...
- Premierships: 2007
Other honours:
- Yorkshire CupRugby league county cupsHistorically, British rugby league clubs competed for the Lancashire Cup and the Yorkshire Cup, known collectively as the county cups. The leading rugby clubs in Yorkshire had played in a cup competition for several years prior to the schism of 1895...
- Winners 1939–40, 1959–60
- Runners-up 1928–29, 1963–64, 1966–67, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1989–90
- Captain Morgan Trophy
- Runners-up 1973–74
- Yorkshire LeagueRugby league county leaguesThe Yorkshire League and the Lancashire League formed two sections of the Rugby Football League Championship for much of its history. Initially, the 22 clubs that broke away in 1895 played in one combined league, however the following season saw the addition of many clubs, and the League was split...
- Runners-up 1928, 1962
Club records
- Largest winning margin
- Largest losing margin
- Top try scorer
- Don FoxDon FoxDon Fox was an English rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s for Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Trinity. He is the brother of Peter and Neil Fox, and together they formed one of the legendary rugby league families...
- 162
- Don Fox
- Top goal kicker
- Steve Quinn
- 1210
- Steve Quinn
- Most tries in a game (player)
- Mike SmithMichael Smith (rugby league)Michael Smith born 10 May 1976 in New Zealand is a rugby league player, who played for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 2002.-Playing career:Smith originally played rugby union and represented North Harbour....
V Doncaster 13 April 1968 - Chris Bibb v KeighleyKeighley CougarsKeighley Cougars are a professional rugby league club from Keighley in West Yorkshire, England. As of 2012 they will play in Co-operative Championship having won the Co-operative Championship 1 play off final 32-12 against Workington...
17 September 1989- 6
- Mike Smith
- Most goals in a game (player)
- Mark Knapper v KeighleyKeighley CougarsKeighley Cougars are a professional rugby league club from Keighley in West Yorkshire, England. As of 2012 they will play in Co-operative Championship having won the Co-operative Championship 1 play off final 32-12 against Workington...
17 September 1989- 13
- Mark Knapper v Keighley
- Top points in a career
- Steve QuinnSteve QuinnStephen Timothy "Steve" Quinn is a former American football center who played one season for the American Football League's Houston Oilers....
- 2654
- Steve Quinn
- Most tries in a season
- Paul NewlovePaul NewlovePaul Newlove is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. A Great Britain and England international representative, he competed in the Super League competition, featuring as a . He played for the St...
season 1992/93- 48
- Paul Newlove
- Most goals in a season
- Jamie RooneyJamie RooneyJamie Rooney is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Barrow Raiders in the Championship. He is also a former England international, being an integral part of the 2006 Federation Shield winning side. Rooney is equally at home in both the stand-off and scrum half positions...
season 2002- 429
- Jamie Rooney
- Highest attendance
- 17,531
- St. Helens 1959
- 17,531
- Longest winning run
Current table
2011 Squad
Players earning international caps while at Featherstone Rovers
- Tommy Askin won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1928 Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (3 matches)
- Peter BannerPeter Banner (rugby league)Peter Banner is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level has played for Wales, and at club level for Salford, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at /, i.e...
won caps for Wales while at SalfordSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
, and Featherstone Rovers 1975 9-caps 2-tries 6-points - Christopher "Chris" BibbChristopher BibbChristopher "Chris" Bibb is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , i.e. number 1....
won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1990 New Zealand - Jamie BennJamie BennJamie Benn is a professional ice hockey forward currently playing for the Dallas Stars of the National Hockey League . Benn played his junior hockey with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League prior to turning professional...
won caps for Scotland while at Featherstone Rovers 2006…2007 3-caps - Harold BoxHarold BoxHarold Box is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Wales, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , i.e...
won caps for Wales while at Featherstone Rovers 1979…1981 5-caps 1-try 2-goals 7-points - John Keith BridgesJohn Keith BridgesJohn H. Keith Bridges is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1975 New Zealand (2 matches), Australia (2 matches), Wales, France, Australia, Papua New Guinea, 1977 Wales won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1974 France (2 matches), Australia - Ikram ButtIkram ButtIkram Butt is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants, and London Broncos, playing at , i.e. 2 or 5....
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1995 Wales - Leo CaseyLeo CaseyLeo Casey is an Irish former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Ireland, and at club level for Oldham, Featherstone Rovers, and Swinton.-International honours:...
won caps for Ireland while at Featherstone Rovers, and SwintonSwinton LionsSwinton Lions is an English professional rugby league club from Swinton, Greater Manchester. The club has won the Championship six times and three Challenge Cups. They currently play in the Championship.-Early years:...
1995…1997 5-caps - Lee ChildLee Child (rugby league)-International honours:Lee Child won caps for Ireland while at Wakefield Trinity, and Featherstone Rovers 1995…1998 3-caps + 1-cap .-External links:*...
circa-1995 for Ireland while at Wakefield TrinityWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
, and Featherstone Rovers 1995…1998 3-caps + 1-cap (sub) - Terrence "Terry" ClawsonTerry ClawsonTerry A. Clawson is an English former professional Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1960s, '70s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Bradford Northern, Leeds, Oldham, York, Wakefield Trinity, and Hull, playing...
(1972 Rugby League World Cup winner, 1972 Harry Sunderland Trophy while at Leeds) won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone Rovers in 1962 against France (2 matches), while at Leeds in the 1972 Rugby League World Cup against Australia, France, and Australia, while at Oldham in 1973 against Australia (3 matches), and in 1974 against France (2 matches), Australia (2 matches), and New Zealand (2 matches) - Paul DarleyPaul DarleyPaul Darley is a professional rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for Ireland, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers.-International honours:Paul Darley won caps for Ireland while at Featherstone Rovers 2004 3-caps ....
won caps for Ireland while at Featherstone Rovers 2004 3-caps (sub) - Ross DivortyRoss DivortyRoss Divorty is an international rugby league footballer, who is a Welsh international, and plays domestically at semi-professional level for Featherstone Rovers in the Co-operative Championship. His position of preference is in the second-row. He earned his most recent Wales caps playing in the...
won caps for Wales while at Featherstone Rovers 2009…present - Malcolm DixonMalcolm Dixon (rugby league)Malcolm "Mal" Dixon is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1970 Wales won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1962 France, 1964 France - Steve EvansSteve Evans (rugby league)Steve Evans is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, '70s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Hull, Bradford Northern and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , or , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1979 France, 1980 Wales, France won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1979 Australia, Australia (sub), New Zealand (3 matches), 1980 New Zealand, New Zealand (sub), while at Hull 1982 Australia (2 matches)
- Vincent "Vince" FarrarVincent FarrarVincent "Vince" Farrar is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Hull, and Sheffield Eagles, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone Rovers 1977 France won caps for Great Britain while at Hull 1978 Australia - Deryck FoxDeryck FoxJ. Deryck Fox is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England and Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Western Suburbs Magpies, Bradford Northern, and...
won caps for England while at Bradford NorthernBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1995 Wales, France won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1985 France (2 matches), New Zealand (3 matches), 1986 France (2 matches), Australia (2 matches), 1989 New Zealand (sub), 1990 Papua New Guinea (sub), 1991 Papua New Guinea (sub), 1992 France (sub), while at Bradford NorthernBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1992 Australia - Donald "Don" FoxDon FoxDon Fox was an English rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s for Featherstone Rovers and Wakefield Trinity. He is the brother of Peter and Neil Fox, and together they formed one of the legendary rugby league families...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1956 France won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1963 Australia - Nathan GrahamNathan GrahamNathan Graham is a former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played for Scotland, and at club level for Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, and Batley Bulldogs.-International honours:...
won caps for Scotland while at Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury, Featherstone Rovers, and Batley 1998…2004 7-caps + 3-caps (sub) - Paul HandforthPaul HandforthPaul Handforth born on 6 October 1981 in Wakefield, Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player for Halifax RLFC in The Championship.Paul Handforth's position of choice is at /, but he can also operate at / and as a ....
won caps for Ireland while at Wakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
, Castleford TigersCastleford TigersCastleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
and Featherstone Rovers 2003…2007 5-caps + 1-cap (sub) - Jack Hirst won caps for England while at Featherstone 1923 Wales
- David Hobbs won caps for England while at Featherstone 1984 Wales won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1984 France (2 matches), Australia, Australia (sub), New Zealand (3 matches), Papua New Guinea, while at OldhamOldham RoughyedsOldham Roughyeds is an English professional rugby league club based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. They currently play in the Championship One. Oldham is one of the original twenty-two rugby clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895....
1987 France (2 matches), while at BradfordBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1989 New Zealand, New Zealand (sub) - James HoustonJames Houston (rugby league)James Houston is a rugby league player for the Hunslet Hawks in the Championship. His position is at prop.- References :...
won a cap for Scotland while at Featherstone Rovers 2003 1-cap (sub) - Gary JordanGary JordanGary Jordan is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
(1967 Challenge Cup Winner) won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone in 1964 against France, and in 1967 against Australia - Neil LoweNeil LoweNeil Lowe is an English born Scottish rugby league footballer who currently plays for Hunslet Hawks at , he has previously played for Featherstone Rovers, Doncaster, York City Knights, and Keighley Cougars...
won caps for Scotland Featherstone Rovers, Doncaster, York, and Keighley 1999…present 3-caps + 4-caps (sub) - Steve MolloySteve MolloySteve Molloy is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s, and coach of the 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Leeds, Featherstone Rovers, and Sheffield Eagles, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
1992 Wales, while at Featherstone 1996 France (sub), Wales, Sheffield 1999 France (2 matches) won caps for Great Britain while at LeedsLeeds RhinosLeeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
1993 France, while at Featherstone 1994 France, 1996 Fiji (sub), New Zealand (sub) - Arnold MorganArnold MorganArnold Morgan is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1968 Wales won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1968 France (2 matches), 1968 France, New Zealand (World Cup 1968 2-caps, 1-try) - Joseph "Joe" MullaneyJoseph Mullaney (rugby league)Joseph "Joe" Mullaney is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level has played for England, and captain at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
won a cap for England while at Featherstone Rovers in 1955 against Other Nations
- Steve NashSteve Nash (rugby league)Steve Nash , is an English former Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1970s and '80s. A /, he played for the Featherstone Rovers and Salford clubs and also represented England and Great Britain....
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1975 Wales, New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, while at SalfordSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
1978 France, Wales, 1981 Wales (2 matches) won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1971 France, New Zealand, 1972 France (2 matches), Australia (2 matches), France, New Zealand, 1973 Australia (2 matches), 1974 Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (3 matches), while at SalfordSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
1977 France, New Zealand, Australia (2 matches), 1978 Australia (3 matches), 1982 Australia (World Cup 1972 4-caps, 1-try) - Paul NewlovePaul NewlovePaul Newlove is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. A Great Britain and England international representative, he competed in the Super League competition, featuring as a . He played for the St...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1992 Wales, while at BradfordBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1995 Wales, Australia (2 matches), Fiji, Wales, while at St. Helens 1996 France won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1989 New Zealand (sub), New Zealand (2 matches), 1991 Papua New Guinea, 1992 Papua New Guinea (sub), Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (sub), 1993 France, while at Bradford NorthernBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
New Zealand (3 matches), 1994 France, Australia, Australia (sub), while at St. Helens 1997, ASLSuper League (Australia)Super League was an Australian rugby league football administrative body that conducted professional competition in Australasia for one season in 1997. Along with Super League of Europe, it was created by News Corporation during the Super League war which arose following an unsuccessful attempt to...
(3 matches), 1998 New Zealand - Bryn PowellBryn PowellBryn Powell born 5 September 1979 is a rugby league player for the Dewsbury Rams in National League One.Bryn Powell's position of choice is in the .Powell is a Welsh international.He has previously played for Salford City Reds in the Super League....
won caps for Wales while at SalfordSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
, Featherstone Rovers, and DewsburyDewsbury RamsDewsbury Rams RLFC is a professional rugby league club based in the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury. They are arguably most famous for becoming Champions in 1972-73 after finishing the regular season in 8th place. In the playoffs they beat Featherstone away, Warrington away, and then Leeds in the...
2004…2006 (5?)6-caps 4(3?)-tries 16(12?)-points
- Peter SmithPeter Smith (rugby league)Peter Smith is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Scarborough Pirates, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1980 France won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1977 Australia (sub) (2 matches), 1982 Australia, 1983 France (sub) (2 matches), 1984 France (sub) - Richard 'Charlie' StoneRichard Stone (rugby league)Richard 'Charlie' Stone is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Hull, and was captain of Hull during the 1980–81 season.-International honours:Charlie Stone...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1975 Australia - James "Jimmy" ThompsonJimmy Thompson (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Thompson is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Bradford Northern and Carlisle, playing at , or , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1970 France, 1975 Australia, Australia, 1977 Wales, while at Bradford NorthernBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1978 France (sub), Wales (sub) won caps for Great Britain while at Featherstone 1970 Australia (2 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), Australia (2 matches), France, New Zealand, 1971 France, France (sub), 1974 Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (3 matches), 1977 France, New Zealand, Australia (2 matches), while at Bradford NorthernBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1978 Australia (World Cup 1970 4-caps) - Ernest WinterErnest WinterErnest Winter is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Hunslet, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1933 Other Nations - Arthur WoodArthur Wood (rugby league)Arthur Wood is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s who at representative level has played for England, and Rugby League XIII, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
won caps for England while at Featherstone 1951 Other Nations
Challenge Cup Winning Players
- 1967 Challenge Cup Winners
- Brian Wrigglesworth 1967 Challenge Cup Winner
- Vaughn Thomas 1967 Challenge Cup Winner
- Keith Cotton 1967 Challenge Cup Winner
- Gary JordanGary JordanGary Jordan is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
1967 Challenge Cup Winner - Kenneth "Ken" Greatorex 1967 Challenge Cup Winner
- Michael "Mick" SmithMichael Smith (rugby league)Michael Smith born 10 May 1976 in New Zealand is a rugby league player, who played for the New Zealand national rugby league team in 2002.-Playing career:Smith originally played rugby union and represented North Harbour....
1967 & 1973 Challenge Cup Winner - Carl Dooler 1967 Challenge Cup Winner, 1967 Lance Todd TrophyLance Todd TrophyThe Lance Todd Trophy is awarded to the Man-of-the-Match in rugby league football's Challenge Cup Final.The trophy was introduced in 1946, in memory of Lance Todd, the New Zealand-born player and administrator, who was killed in a road accident during the Second World War...
Winner - Leslie "Les" Tonks 1967 & 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- Graham Harris 1967 Challenge Cup Winner
- Malcolm DixonMalcolm Dixon (rugby league)Malcolm "Mal" Dixon is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
1967 Challenge Cup Winner - Arnold MorganArnold MorganArnold Morgan is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or , i.e...
1967 Challenge Cup Winner - James "Jimmy" ThompsonJimmy Thompson (rugby league)James "Jimmy" Thompson is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, '70s, and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Bradford Northern and Carlisle, playing at , or , i.e...
1967 & 1973 Challenge Cup Winner - Thomas "Tommy" Smales 1967 Challenge Cup Winner
- 1973 Challenge Cup Winners
- Cyril Kellett 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- Paul Coventry 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- John Newlove 1973 Challenge Cup Winner (Testimonial matchTestimonial matchA testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
1976) (Father of Paul NewlovePaul NewlovePaul Newlove is an English former rugby league footballer of the 1980s, 90s and 2000s. A Great Britain and England international representative, he competed in the Super League competition, featuring as a . He played for the St...
) - Kenneth "Ken" Kellett 1973 & 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Melvyn "Mel" Mason 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- Steve NashSteve Nash (rugby league)Steve Nash , is an English former Rugby League World Cup winning footballer of the 1970s and '80s. A /, he played for the Featherstone Rovers and Salford clubs and also represented England and Great Britain....
1973 Challenge Cup Winner, 1973 Lance Todd Trophy Winner - Keith Bridges 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- Vincent "Vince" FarrarVincent FarrarVincent "Vince" Farrar is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Hull, and Sheffield Eagles, playing at , i.e...
1973 Challenge Cup Winner - Alan Rhodes 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- Richard 'Charlie' StoneRichard Stone (rugby league)Richard 'Charlie' Stone is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Hull, and was captain of Hull during the 1980–81 season.-International honours:Charlie Stone...
1973 Challenge Cup Winner - David "Dave" Hartley 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- Barry Hollis 1973 Challenge Cup Winner
- 1983 Challenge Cup Winners
- Nigel Barker 1983 Challenge Cup Winner (Testimonial matchTestimonial matchA testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
1992) - John Marsden 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Stephen "Steve" Quinn 1983 Challenge Cup Winner (Testimonial matchTestimonial matchA testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
1985) - John Gilbert 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Alan Banks 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Terrence "Terry" Hudson 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Michael "Mick" Gibbins 1983 Challenge Cup Winner (Testimonial matchTestimonial matchA testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
1982) - Raymond "Ray" Handscombe 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Stephen "Steve" Hankins 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- David Hobbs 1983 Challenge Cup Winner, 1983 Lance Todd Trophy Winner
- Timothy "Tim" Slatter 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Peter SmithPeter Smith (rugby league)Peter Smith is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Scarborough Pirates, playing at , i.e...
1983 Challenge Cup Winner (Testimonial matchTestimonial matchA testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
1982) - Paul Lyman 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Gary Siddall 1983 Challenge Cup Winner (Testimonial matchTestimonial matchA testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
1988) - Neil Pickerill 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Keith Bell 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
- Philip "Phil" Johnson 1983 Challenge Cup Winner
Other notable players
These players have either; received a Testimonial matchTestimonial match
A testimonial match or testimonial game, often referred to simply as a testimonial, is a practice in some sports, notably football and especially in the United Kingdom, where a club puts on a match in honour of a player for service to the club....
, were international representatives before, or after, their time at Featherstone Rovers, or are notable outside of rugby league.
- Ade AdebisiAde AdebisiAde Adebisi is a Nigerian born English rugby league footballer who currently plays for London Skolars as a .Ade started playing for London Broncos and had a spell at Hull, training full time with the Super League side...
- Allan AgarAllan AgarAllan Agar is an English former rugby league footballer and coach. Allan Agar is also the father of Richard Agar.A /, i.e. number 7, he played in the 1972–73 Northern Rugby Football League season's championship final for Dewsbury, helping them to victory....
- Richard AgarRichard AgarRichard Agar is a British rugby league football coach and former player. He is the head coach of Super League side Hull. Richard is the son of retired player coach, Allan Agar.Agar played for Featherstone, Dewsbury and Widnes....
- Danny AllanDanny AllanDanny Allan born 4 September 1989 in York, Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player for the Featherstone Rovers and previously for Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He also spent a month on loan at Doncaster in 2010. He plays as a /....
- Asa Amone
- Simon AngellSimon AngellSimon Alexander Angell is a former rugby league player who represented his country.-Playing career:Angell played for the Canterbury side that bet Auckland in 1993, starting in the second row in the Provincial grand final....
- Charles AnnableCharles AnnableCharles "Charlie" Annable was a professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s and '30s who at representative level played for Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Castleford, playing at , i.e...
- Mark AstonMark AstonMark Aston is a former rugby league / with the Sheffield Eagles and Great Britain. He also had short spells with Featherstone Rovers and Bramley but the bulk of his career was spent with the Eagles, who he joined in 1985. He retired from playing in 2004, having been the figurehead in the fight to...
- James BarracloughJames BarracloughJames "Jim" Barraclough was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at representative level played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Hull Kingston Rovers, playing at , i.e...
- Eric BattenEric BattenEric Batten was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1930s, '40s and '50s, and coach of the 1950s, who at representative level played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Hunslet, Bradford Northern, Leeds and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5,...
- Nathan BattyNathan BattyNathan Batty is a professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Dewsbury Rams, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e. number 1.-External links:*********...
- Glenn BellGlenn BellGlenn Bell is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Scotland, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Dewsbury Rams, playing at , i.e. number 11 or 12.-International honours:...
- Eric Broom circa-1960
- Christopher BurtonChristopher BurtonChristopher "Chris" Burton is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Leeds, Huddersfield, Hull Kingston Rovers, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
- David "Dave" BusfieldDavid BusfieldDavid "Dave" 'Bussy' Busfield is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s, and coach of the 1980s who at club level has played for Featherstone Rovers, Halifax, Hull, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, and Wakefield Trinity, playing in the Backs, or Forwards, and at club level has...
- Matt CallandMatt CallandMatt Calland is the head coach at Halifax RLFC. He has played at Featherstone Rovers, Bradford Bulls, Rochdale Hornets and has been capped by England. Matt was named the assistant coach at Halifax in June 2006. Martin Hall moved upstairs in October to take up the post of director of football...
- Trevor Clark (to Bradford NorthernBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
1992) - Geoffrey ClarksonGeoffrey ClarksonGeoffrey "Geoff" Clarkson was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s who at representative level played rugby union for Yorkshire, and at club level for Wakefield RFC, and at representative level played rugby league for Yorkshire, and at...
- Colin ClifftColin ClifftColin Clifft is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Wakefield Trinity, Halifax, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e. number 13...
circa-1960 - Michael CoadyMichael Coady (rugby league)Michael Coady is an English rugby league footballer for Leeds Rhinos in the European Super League. He plays at .He attended Bristol Grammar School and Loughborough University.-Career:...
- Dean ColtonDean ColtonDean Colton is a rugby league footballer for Doncaster in National League One. He plays on the , or . He is a Scotland international.He has been named in the Scotland squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.-External links:***...
- Phil CooksonPhil CooksonPhil Cookson is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s who at representative level has played for England, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Leeds, playing at , i.e...
- Gary CooperGary Cooper (rugby league)Gary 'Super Duper' Cooper is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s who at club level has played for Featherstone Rovers, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at , or , i.e. number 1, 3 or 5, and at club level has coached for York....
- Andy CurrierAndy CurrierAndy S. Currier is a British former rugby league footballer of the 1980s and 90s. A rangy centre, he achieved representative selection for Great Britain Lions and played most of his club football with Widnes as well as stints with Featherstone Rovers, Warrington Wolves and Australian team the...
- Matty DaleMatty DaleMatty Dale born 10 October 1986 in Hull, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England is a rugby league player formerly of Hull, currently playing for Featherstone Rovers in The Co-Operative Championship.Matty Dale's position of choice is in the ....
- James "Jim" Denton brother of Sid
- Sidney "Sid" Denton brother of Jim
- Stuart DickensStuart DickensStuart Dickens is a professional rugby league player, currently playing for Featherstone Rovers in the Co-operative Championship. Dickens is primarily a prop, but is intriguingly a recognised goal-kicker. Dickens previously played for Salford City Reds in Super League after signing for them from...
- Willis Fawley circa-1960
- John "Jackie" Fennell circa-1960
- Jamie FieldJamie FieldJamie Field is a former professional rugby league footballer who at club level played for Leeds Rhinos, Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , , or , i.e. number 11 or 12, 8 or 10, 13...
- Liam FinnLiam Finn (rugby league)Liam Finn is a professional rugby league footballer for the Featherstone Rovers of the Championship League. An Ireland international representative hooker, scrum-half or stand-off, he has previously played for Halifax and the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats of Super League, as well as Dewsbury RamsHe...
- Adrian FlynnAdrian FlynnAdrian Flynn is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who at club level has played for Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers, Dewsbury Rams, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5.-External links:***...
- James FordJames Ford (rugby league)James Ford is a British professional rugby league footballer currently playing for Widnes Vikings in the Co-operative Championship. He previously played in the Super League for Castleford Tigers and is, by preference, a fullback but can also play at centre and on the wing...
- Peter Fox
- Laurie Gant
- Michael "Mick" Garrity circa-1960
- Jeff GrayshonJeff GrayshonJeffrey "Jeff" Grayshon MBE is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s, '80s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and England, and at club level for Dewsbury, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, Bradford, Leeds, Featherstone Rovers, and Batley,...
- Maxime GrésèqueMaxime GrésèqueMaxime Grésèque is a French professional rugby league footballer for Pia XIII of the Elite One Championship A France international representative goal-kicking scrum half or stand-off half, he played previously for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats of Super League.Greseque played from the bench for...
- Benjamin GronowBenjamin GronowBenjamin "Ben" Gronow was a Welsh dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1910s and '20s. At club level Gronow played under the union code for Bridgend RFC, county rugby for Glamorgan and international rugby for Wales union team...
- Zak HardakerZak HardakerZak Hardakeris a rugby league player who currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super League. He can play on the wing, Full back, stand-off and has most recently started playing in the centres...
- Ian HardmanIan HardmanIan Hardman is a professional rugby league player, currently playing for Featherstone Rovers. A native of Widnes, Ian was signed by St. Helens from West Bank ARL. He was also a try scorer in the England U17s win over the Australian Institute of sport side in December 2003...
- Iestyn HarrisIestyn HarrisIestyn Rhys Harris is a Welsh former rugby league footballer, who is currently the assistant coach at Wigan Warriors. Harris is a former Man of Steel winner and has also represented Wales on numerous occasions at both codes of rugby...
- Karl HarrisonKarl HarrisonKarl Harrison, is an English former rugby league player and coach. He was a player for Hull and Halifax, and also represented Great Britain at prop forward. He won the last of his 14 International caps in 1994. He was the head coach of Salford City Reds rugby league team for five years, before...
- Tom HaugheyTom HaugheyTom Haughey born 30 January 1982 Keighley, West Yorkshire, England is a rugby league footballer for Hunslet Hawks.His position of choice is in the Second-row...
- Sean HeskethSean HeskethSean Hesketh is an English born professional rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for ireland, and at club level for Doncaster, Featherstone Rovers, and Batley Bulldogs, playing at , i.e. number 8 or 10. In 2010 he represented Ireland in the Alitalia European...
- Joe HirstJoe HirstJoe Hirst is a rugby league player who plays in the second row for Featherstone Rovers.-References:*...
- James "Jim" Hunt circa-1960
- Shaun IrwinShaun IrwinShaun Irwin is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Castleford, Oldham Bears, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or , i.e...
- Francis JarvisFrancis JarvisFrancis "Franny"/"Frannie" Jarvis is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level played for Other Nationalities, and at club level played for Bradford Northern, Featherstone Rovers, and Halifax, playing at , i.e...
- G. Johnson Captain circa-1935
- Andy KainAndy KainAndy Kain is a rugby league player currently playing for Featherstone Rovers. Andy joined Featherstone on loan from Widnes in 2007 and was part of the grand final winning team. The loan deal was made permanent in 2008. His Preferred position is Scrum half....
- Neil Kelly
- Andrew "Andy" KirkAndrew Kirk (rugby league)Andrew "Andy" Kirk is an English professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Leeds Rhinos, Salford City Reds, and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Halifax, Widnes Vikings, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or .-External links:***...
- Malcolm KirkMalcolm KirkMalcolm Kirk was an English professional wrestler who went by the ring name King Kong Kirk.His height was 1.86m and his weight ranged between 140 and 160 kg ....
- Joe Kirkham/Joseph Kirkham (from DewsburyDewsbury RamsDewsbury Rams RLFC is a professional rugby league club based in the West Yorkshire town of Dewsbury. They are arguably most famous for becoming Champions in 1972-73 after finishing the regular season in 8th place. In the playoffs they beat Featherstone away, Warrington away, and then Leeds in the...
in 1921) - Danny KirmondDanny KirmondDanny Kirmond is an English professional rugby league player for the Huddersfield Giants, and was on loan to the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats for the majority of the 2010 season...
- Mark Knapper
- Milan KosanovićMilan KosanovicMilan Kosanović is a Yugoslav former professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at representative level has played for Yorkshire, and at club level for Bradford Northern, Wakefield Trinity, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , i.e...
- Clifford "Cliff" Lambert circa-1960
- Chris LangleyChris LangleyChris Langley is an English rugby league player for the Dewsbury Rams in National League One. He plays as a centre. He has previously played for the Huddersfield Giants in the European Super League and also had spells with Bradford, Featherstone Rovers, York and Doncaster.-External links:**...
- Ivor LingardIvor LingardIvor Lingard is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s who at club level has played for Featherstone Rovers, and Parramatta Eels, playing at , or , i.e. number 6, or 7.-External links:****...
- A. Longley Northern Command XIII 1942
- Dane ManningDane ManningDane Manning is a professional rugby league footballer who is currently on loan at Featherstone Rovers from Super League club Leeds Rhinos. A second-rower by trade, Manning has one first-grade appearance to his name from the 2009 season, in a round 21 24-14 victory at home against Hull...
- Donald "Don" MetcalfeDonald MetcalfeDonald "Don" Metcalfe was an English rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1950s and '60s who at club level played rugby union for , and at representative level played rugby league for Yorkshire, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, and Wakefield Trinity, playing at ,...
- Freddie MillerFreddie Miller (rugby league)Freddie Miller is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1940s and '50s who at club level played for Hull, and Featherstone Rovers, and was captain of Hull during the 1946–47 season.-External links:*...
- Frank Moore circa-1960
- Richard NewloveRichard NewloveRichard Newlove is a professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Featherstone Rovers , Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Doncaster, and Sheffield Eagles, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5.-External links:***************...
- Mark NixonMark NixonMark Byron Nixon is a New Zealand former rugby league player who represented his country in two tests, including a match counting towards the 1992 World Cup.-Playing career:...
- Hitro OkeseneHitro OkeseneHitro Okesene is a New Zealand former rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who represented three countries; Western Samoa, American Samoa and New Zealand...
- Jessie Joe ParkerJessie Joe ParkerJessie Joe Parker is a Papua New Guinean rugby league footballer, who was scheduled to sign for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, however he did not return to England in time for pre season training despite being granted extra leave and time to sort out a visa. However he did not sort it in time and was...
- Lee PatersonLee PatersonLee Paterson is an English born Scottish professional rugby league footballer who at representative level has played for Scotland, and at club level for Keighley Cougars, York City Knights, Batley Bulldogs, Carpentras XIII, Widnes Vikings, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , , or .-International...
- Martin PearsonMartin Pearson (rugby league)Martin 'Pee Wee' Pearson is a former professional rugby league and rugby union footballer of the 1990s and 2000s who at representative level has played rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Featherstone Rovers, Halifax , Sheffield Eagles, and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, playing at , , or...
- Roy PowellRoy Powell (rugby league)Roy Colin Powell was an English professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s who at representative level played for Great Britain, and at club level for Leeds, Bradford, Featherstone Rovers, Batley, and Rochdale Hornets, playing at , or , i.e. number 8 or 10, or 11 or 12...
- Gary PriceGary Price (rugby league)Gary H. Price is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 2000s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Wakefield Trinity Wildcats , South Sydney Rabbitohs, Featherstone Rovers, and York, playing at , or , i.e...
- Waine PryceWaine PryceWaine Pryce is an English rugby league player of Jamaican descent His primary position is winger....
- Jamie RooneyJamie RooneyJamie Rooney is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Barrow Raiders in the Championship. He is also a former England international, being an integral part of the 2006 Federation Shield winning side. Rooney is equally at home in both the stand-off and scrum half positions...
- Iva RopatiIva RopatiIva Lewis Ropati is a former rugby league international player and High School Principal.-Early years:He grew up playing for the Otahuhu Leopards before moving to the Te Atatu Roosters where he won a Fox Memorial premiership. He later played for the Mangere East Hawks before moving to England...
- Tommy SaxtonTommy SaxtonTommy Saxton born 3 October 1983 in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England is an English rugby league player for the Featherstone Rovers of National League One. He plays as a full-back and can play in the centre's and on the wing....
- Ian SmalesIan SmalesIan Smales is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, who at club level played for , Featherstone Rovers, Castleford Tigers, and Hunslet Hawks, playing at , , , or , i.e. number 2 or 5, 3 or 4, 6, 11 or 12, or 13....
- Frank Smith circa-1960
- Tim Spears
- Graham SteadmanGraham SteadmanGraham Steadman is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s and '90s, and coach of the 2000s, who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and Yorkshire, and at club level for York Wasps, Featherstone Rovers, and Castleford, playing at , or /, i.e...
- Jon SteelJon SteelJon Steel is a Scottish rugby league player currently with Championship side Featherstone Rovers. He is a former rugby union player who represented his country at youth level before switching codes in 2005...
- Tony TonksTony TonksAntony Tonks is an English rugby league player who currently plays for the Featherstone Rovers. His playing position is prop. He began his career playing for the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Academy team before signing for Bradford Bulls...
- Brendon TuutaBrendon TuutaBrendon Ephia Tuuta is a New Zealand former rugby league player.Tuuta played a variety of positions including Stand Off, Halfback, Second Row and Lock. He was known as "the baby-faced assassin" and had a reputation as a brawler...
- David WhiteDavid White (rugby league)David White is a professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Stanley Rangers, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Featherstone Rovers, and Oulton Raiders.-External links:*...
- Richard WhitingRichard Whiting (rugby league)Richard Whiting is an English rugby league footballer who plays for Hull.A former Featherstone Rovers player in the British rugby league National League One, being voted young player of the year, before moving to the European Super League club Hull....
- Jon WhittleJon WhittleJon Whittle is a professional rugby union and rugby league footballer who at club level has played rugby union , for Orrell R.U.F.C., and at club level has played rugby league , for Wigan Warriors, Widnes Vikings, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and Featherstone Rovers, playing at , or , i.e. number 2...
- Loz WildboreLoz WildboreLoz Wildbore is an English rugby league player currently playing for Wales based Championship One club South Wales Scorpions. His position is at stand off and full back. He adds a lot of experience to the South Wales side as he has played for the Widnes Vikings, Featherstone Rovers and York City...
- Cyril WoolfordCyril WoolfordCyril Woolford is an English former rugby league player who played for Castleford and Featherstone Rovers.-Career:Woolford played for Castleford from 1949 to 1954, where he made 67 appearances, scoring 14 tries and 42 points...
circa-1959± (Yorkshire) - Matt WrayMatt WrayMatt Wray is a professional rugby league footballer who at club level has played for Stanley Rangers ARLFC, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, Featherstone Rovers, and Hunslet Hawks, playing at , i.e. number 2 or 5.-External links:***...