Rugby League club take huge stride forward following financial issues

One Rugby League club have confirmed a hugely positive update after having been previously placed under special measures by the RFL.

Whitehaven Rugby League have announced that the RFL are now allowing them to register players for the upcoming season after the Cumbrian outfit proved their improving financial status.

Haven suffered relegation from the Championship to League One in 2024 but it could have been a lot worse with the club teetering close to the edge of folding at times.

A player strike was also threatened late in the season after head coach Jonty Gorley resigned from the role minutes after an incredible 28-24 win over Doncaster.

Gorley cited ‘untenable’ issues at the club which has now provided a positive update regarding their financial situation, taking to social media to share the news.

Rugby League club take first steps away from special measures

As some of you will know we have been in special measures since last November following a big HMRC debt that the board worked hard to pay off. Following lots of meetings with the RFL and submitting a realistic business plan and cash flow forecast we are delighted to say they are… pic.twitter.com/akVNq2xLm3

— Whitehaven Rugby League (@OfficialHavenRl) December 10, 2024

In a statement shared on the Whitehaven Rugby League X account, the club announced: “As some of you will know we have been in special measures since last November following a big HMRC debt that the board worked hard to pay off.

“Following lots of meetings with the RFL and submitting a realistic business plan and cash flow forecast we are delighted to say they are happy for us to register our players with the RFL.

“These are exciting times for Whitehaven RLFC in our forecast we have based the crowds on 500 average which we believe we will absolutely smash this season but everything we have done are doing this season is being on the side of caution to ensure that we can thrive.”

The club can now move forward a step in their planning and preparation for the 2025 season as they bid to return to the Championship following their relegation.

They’ll be one of two Cumbrian sides in League One after Workington Town failed to progress from the League One play-offs in 2025.

Back in September, Haven shared their ambitious three-year plan regarding sustainability and the development of young players in the area.