Investors to pump millions in to Featherstone

A group of anonymous investors are set to pump millions of pounds in to Featherstone over a five-year period to turn them in to a “top four Super League” club.

Spearheaded by PROBIZ chief Faisal Nahaboo, Featherstone are looking to build on their success in recent years, which has seen them top the Championship in each of the last four seasons, although they have only recorded a solitary Grand Final victory.

They parted company with head coach John Bastian on Monday following back-to-back defeats to Leigh, which appear to have triggered an acceleration in the process of investment.

Nahaboo told the club’s official website: “Rightfully or wrongfully at the start of the season the club had made the decision to strike at the end of the season to prepare a Super League strength squad to compete next season.

“Following back to back defeats to Leigh Centurions we’ve realised we are no longer the dominant force outside Super League so the club has made the decision to raise the standards for all Championship clubs with imminent investment both on and off the field.

“The club will immediately show its intention by appointing leading coaching staff and will then follow-up by announcing new squad members. The club will not be selling its leading players and key squad members will be offered 2 to 3 year contract extensions. 

“The board has been told that it must challenge for top 4 Super League position within the next few years.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the RFL and SKY with regards to their new rules allowing clubs like Featherstone Rovers to invest and play for Super League status. It seems we won the league 4 years on a trot in vein, but we will take this experience, wisdom and knowledge to compete at the highest level possible.”