Widnes Vikings and Goole Vikings will meet in an eye-catching double-header later this season after the Betfred Championship calendar was reshaped following Featherstone Rovers’ withdrawal from the competition.
The two clubs have agreed dates for the newly scheduled fixtures — setting the stage for what is being dubbed “The Clash of the Vikings”.
The fixtures will see two historic towns, sharing one iconic identity, go head-to-head in a unique Championship rivalry across two venues.
Confirmed Fixtures
Sunday 1st March – Widnes Vikings vs Goole Vikings, 3pm, DCBL Stadium
Saturday 4th July – Goole Vikings vs Widnes Vikings, 3pm, Victoria Pleasure Grounds
Both clubs are set to collaborate on a joint campaign around the fixtures, celebrating their shared Viking heritage while building excitement among supporters for two standout occasions in the Championship calendar.
Widnes are one of the sport’s oldest and iconic clubs with a passionate fan base, whilst Goole are rugby league’s newest side, reigniting the sport that was first played in the town in the 1800s at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds, which remains their home to this day.
Should either club reach the 1895 Cup Final scheduled for the 4th July, alternative dates will be explored following the semi-final stage to ensure both fixtures can be played at full strength and with minimum supporter disruption.
These matches now form a major part of the 2026 Championship narrative — not just as replacement fixtures, but as two headline events in their own right.
Further ticket information and promotional details for The Clash of the Vikings campaign will be released in due course.
