Featherstone Rovers sign centre to long-term deal after “pushed out” claim

Featherstone Rovers have signed an established Championship centre to a long-term deal after his release from another club.

James Glover will join the Flat Cappers with immediate effect after signing a deal that ties him down until the end of the 2027 season, rejoining the team whose scholarship system he progressed through.

Glover was playing for Sheffield Eagles until recently but the Eagles released him from his contract after learning of the player’s intent to join another club at the end of the season.

In a statement, the Eagles said:  “The club can confirm that we have mutually agreed to release James Glover from his contract to allow him to move to his new club with immediate effect, and to allow us to source replacements who are committed to Sheffield Eagles beyond the end of the 2025 season.”

Glover hit back at that statement, commenting on the club’s Facebook post to argue that he was “pushed out” and had “never mutually agreed to be released”, as the Eagles claimed.

He explained: “I love the lads and would’ve never chosen to let them down, I’ve always loved what was made of the club previously, but I’ve got my family to think about and when my presence isn’t valued and I am being pushed out early by certain individuals, I have no choice but to walk away. Hope all the fans understand.”

Featherstone Rovers sign James Glover after Sheffield Eagles’ release

It can now be confirmed that the new club is Featherstone with Rovers announcing his arrival for the next two and a half years, in a major boost to Paul Cooke’s squad.

Featherstone currently sit ninth in the Championship with Glover’s former team Sheffield sitting in 10th, however, Rovers will be heading to Wembley next month for the 1895 Cup final.

Speaking on signing with Featherstone, Glover said: “This Club means a lot to me and my family. Playing for Featherstone is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was 14-year old. I came through the scholarship here and signed my first professional contract at this Club. I can’t wait to represent Featherstone Rovers.”

Paul Cooke added: “We’re delighted to welcome James to our club. James is a player that myself and the coaching staff have admired from his time at Sheffield and York.

“A Featherstone local who is, in our opinion, one of the very best championship centres. James will add experience to our group and will certainly help improve others within the group with how he trains and plays.

“Defensively, James is tough to play against and with the ball in hand, he’s a handful for opposition defences.

“We as a staff believe he will challenge us to be better, which we welcome, it is important to us as a staff to improve and help every player improve too.

“We are all excited to have James on board and look forward to him adding positively to a team that we are confident can climb the league table in the remaining games of 2025.”

Featherstone Rovers confirm the signing of James Glover. ✍️

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— Featherstone Rovers (@FevRoversRLFC) May 23, 2025