League 1 club forced to relocate fixtures as Championship side steps in to host games

League 1 club Goole Vikings have been forced to relocate a duo of fixtures in July, due to a delay in ongoing work to their pitch.

Their next two fixtures against Whitehaven RLFC and Keighley Cougars are now to be played at Featherstone Rovers’ ground, the Millennium Stadium, as Rovers have two away games across the next couple of weeks.

The club were informed on Thursday by Goole Town Council that their usual ground, Victoria Pleasure Grounds, wouldn’t be available for their July home games, due to “ongoing pitch works running over schedule”.

The Vikings have already played their last eight games away from home as well as round three’s fixture against North Wales Crusaders, which they played at Goole RUFC’s ground.

In a statement on the Vikings website, the club has said: “The late notification of this delay is extremely disappointing and frustrating for all concerned, particularly as the club was informed as recently as last week that works were on track for completion.

“The rescheduling of these fixtures will unfortunately lead to significant additional costs and disruption for the club.

“However, we recognise that unforeseen issues can arise and we remain fully committed to the long-term vision for the VPG  and the club, and we are confident it will become a fantastic venue for the town and the wider community.”

Rugby league community comes together for League 1 club’s last-minute venue change

Goole Vikings have shared their thanks for the help from Championship side Featherstone, alongside their League 1 competitors, for supporting the last-minute change of venue.

They said: “The club would like to place on record appreciation for Featherstone Rovers, Whitehaven RLFC and Keighley Cougars for their flexibility, support and professionalism in helping make these changes possible.

“We look forward to returning to the Victoria Pleasure Grounds in the coming weeks and to welcoming our supporters, and those of our opponents, to our home very soon.”

It was at the Millennium Stadium where Goole played their very first professional game back in January during the 2025 pre-season campaign.

The Vikings have shared that all previously purchased match tickets, season tickets, and sponsorships remain valid for the relocated fixtures, and match-day tickets can still be bought on their club website.

Their revised fixture dates are as follows:

Sunday 13th July – Goole Vikings vs Whitehaven RLFC – Kick Off: 3:00pm
(Previously, this was scheduled for Saturday 12th July)

Sunday 20th July – Goole Vikings vs Keighley Cougars – Kick Off: 3:00pm
(Previously, this was scheduled for Saturday 19th July)