James Ford has made his rugby league coaching return after being axed from his role with Featherstone Rovers earlier this year.
Ford, who had taken over at the Millennium Stadium in late 2023, was relieved of his role at the club just two games into this current season.
He’s been out of work since that February exit but he’s now been appointed as head coach of Batley Bulldogs for the 2026 campaign.
Currently, the Bulldogs are under the coaching of legendary head coach John Kear, however, Kear’s appointment midway through this season was only ever viewed as a stop gap.
Kear linked up with his former club in June as he penned a deal to take charge until the end of the current season but his successor has now been confirmed in the shape of 42-year-old James Ford, a coach with plenty of experience in the Championship having worked at York prior to his role with Featherstone.
James Ford makes return to rugby league
Batley won on Sunday as they beat Hunslet 40-6 on the road, a win that keeps them in with a chance of finishing top of the bottom four.
It’s been a difficult season for the Bulldogs who have won just five games but Sunday’s win put an end to a six-game losing streak and they were able to celebrate it with the appointment of James Ford.
Taking to X, the club announced: “More brilliant news after an outstanding performance from the boys today as we welcome James Ford to the Bulldogs as head coach for 2026.”
Interestingly, Batley have actually drawn two games this season with one of those coming against high-flying Oldham with another win coming against Widnes Vikings who are knocking on the door of the top six.
It’s still unclear what the format will be for rugby league divisions below Super League next year with a larger competition split into West and East divisions one of the options being considered.
One thing that is clear is that James Ford will be coaching Batley Bulldogs in 2026.
More brilliant news after an outstanding performance from the boys today as we welcome James Ford to The Bulldogs as Head Coach for 2026. pic.twitter.com/H6D4ShJiMZ
— Batley Bulldogs RLFC (@BatleyRLFC) August 24, 2025
