Championship club vow to ‘keep banging on Super League door’ after unsuccessful promotion push

Oldham have vowed to continue ‘banging on Super League’s door’ after missing out on promotion this time around.

The Roughyeds were one of seven Championship clubs to apply for promotion into an expanded Super League competition for 2026, alongside the likes of Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, Widnes Vikings and Toulouse Olympique.

Ultimately, Bradford went up automatically after earning a spot in the top 12 of the IMG gradings and an independent panel’s decision was announced this morning with York Knights and Toulouse getting the nod.

Oldham’s application was unsuccessful then, but the club, who have raised eyebrows with their impressive recruitment over the last 12 months claim to have received promising feedback from the panel, chaired by Lord Jonathan Caine.

And, Oldham have vowed to continue doing all they can to get themselves back into the top flight after being part of the first two seasons of Super League before their relegation in 1997.

Oldham release statement after Super League promotion decision

“Oldham would like to congratulate York and Toulouse on their successful applications into an expanded 2026 Betfred Super League,” the statement read

“While disappointed that our own bid has come up just short this time, we are enthused by the panel’s feedback and excited to continue our rapid recent growth as a rugby league club.

“To learn that we reached the final round of five in deliberations shows Oldham RLFC is a force in British rugby league once more, and we will do everything in our power to keep banging on Super League’s door.

“The panel commended the commitment of our chairman Bill Quinn, the strength of our financial position as well as the development of our pathway system, and we can now step up our preparations for the 2026 Championship season.

“This opportunity to return to Super League may have come earlier than we anticipated when Bill and Mike Ford took over in League 1 two and a half years ago, but we feel confident in being as ready as any other club to make the step up and will not stop until Oldham are back amongst the sport’s elite.”

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