The RFL have confirmed that replacement fixtures will be introduced for the 2026 Betfred Championship season, with Widnes Vikings set to face Goole Vikings.
The confirmed replacement fixtures are follows:
Halifax Panthers v Swinton Lions
North Wales Crusaders v Salford RLFC
Oldham RLFC v Batley Bulldogs
London Broncos v Hunslet RLFC
Doncaster RLFC v Barrow Raiders
Widnes Vikings v Goole Vikings
The additional fixtures have been created to ensure every club maintains a full 24-game league season, following confirmation that Featherstone Rovers will not take their place in the Championship in 2026.
Among the newly agreed matches, the standout tie for Widnes supporters will be a home-and-away showdown with Goole Vikings, setting up a true Clash of the Vikings for the first time.
The replacement fixtures pair clubs who were not originally scheduled to play each other during the season, with each matchup taking place both home and away to preserve sporting integrity across the league.
Scheduling for our fixtures with Goole will now be finalised, with the RFL working alongside clubs to identify available weekends and complete the full fixture list.
Following agreement on the replacement fixtures, the RFL have also confirmed that the Championship league table will revert to the traditional points-per-win format for the 2026 season.
