Is the New Salford Team Ready to Shine in the Championship?

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has announced that a new Salford team will gain Championship membership for the 2026 season, just three weeks after the previous Salford Red Devils club was dissolved. A consortium led by former player Mason Caton-Brown was selected from three high-quality proposals, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable governance and financial stability.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The RFL's decision to grant Championship membership to the new Salford club is a significant development for the community and rugby league fans in the region. The new entity, led by Caton-Brown, is now tasked with assembling a team and preparing for its first match against Oldham on 16 January 2026. This rapid turnaround follows the dissolution of the previous club on 3 December 2022, and marks an effort to revive the rugby league presence in Salford after a challenging year.

Key takeaways

A new Salford team has been granted Championship membership for the 2026 season.
Mason Caton-Brown's consortium was chosen from three proposals to lead the team.
The previous Salford Red Devils club was wound up on 3 December 2022.
The new club is preparing for its inaugural match against Oldham on 16 January 2026.
The RFL emphasised the importance of sustainable governance and community involvement.

Timeline: how we got here

The timeline of events surrounding the Salford rugby club is as follows:

3 December 2022: The Salford Red Devils are wound up in the High Court, ending a 152-year history.
December 2022 - October 2023: Discussions and proposals for a new club begin, with community and stakeholder involvement.
October 2023: The RFL announces that a new consortium led by Mason Caton-Brown has been granted Championship membership for the 2026 season.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The RFL's announcement that a new Salford team will join the Championship in 2026 is the latest development. Caton-Brown's consortium has outlined plans to establish the club with a focus on sustainable governance, financial responsibility, and community engagement.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, the Salford Red Devils faced significant challenges, including a mass player exodus and financial difficulties, ultimately leading to the club's winding up. The establishment of a new club was anticipated but remained contingent on securing the necessary support and resources.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The revival of the Salford rugby club is likely to positively impact local fans and households by providing entertainment and fostering community spirit. Local businesses may also benefit from increased footfall on match days, which could boost the local economy.

Businesses and jobs

The establishment of the new club is expected to create job opportunities within the local community, from coaching staff to administrative roles. Local businesses may also see an uptick in demand for services related to match day operations, merchandise, and hospitality.

Policy and regulation

The RFL's decision is supported by local authorities, including Salford City Council, highlighting the collaboration between sports governance and local government in fostering community sports. This partnership could serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges.

Numbers that matter

152 years: The duration of the previous Salford Red Devils club's existence before being wound up.
3 December 2022: The date the Salford Red Devils were officially dissolved.
2026: The year the new Salford team will commence its participation in the Championship.
16 January 2026: The scheduled date for the new club's first match against Oldham.
3: The number of proposals submitted to the RFL for leading the new club, indicating strong interest in reviving Salford rugby.

Definitions and jargon buster

Championship: The second tier of professional rugby league in the UK.
RFL: Rugby Football League, the governing body for rugby league in England.
Phoenix club: A new team formed to replace a previously dissolved club, often inheriting its history and traditions.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

The immediate focus for Caton-Brown’s consortium will be to finalise player agreements and ensure they have a full squad ready for the inaugural match. They will need to establish a training regimen and integrate new players into the squad dynamics.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the medium term, the new club must build a fan base and community support, while also securing sponsorship and partnerships that will help to sustain the club financially. Engaging with local businesses and schools can foster goodwill and support.

Signals to watch

Progress on player signings and team announcements.
Community engagement initiatives and outreach programs.
Financial stability measures and sponsorship deals.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with the new club through social media to stay informed about updates and events.
Support local businesses on match days to stimulate the local economy.
Encourage community involvement in youth rugby initiatives and clinics.

Don’t

Dismiss the new club's potential impact on the community.
Ignore opportunities to volunteer or support local rugby initiatives.
Neglect to attend matches and support the team as they start anew.

Checklist

Follow the new Salford club on social media for updates.
Plan to attend the inaugural match against Oldham on 16 January 2026.
Consider supporting local businesses on match days.
Engage with community rugby events and initiatives.
Stay informed about club developments and sponsorship opportunities.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the establishment of a new Salford rugby club is a positive development, there are uncertainties regarding its long-term viability. The new team will need to navigate the complexities of building a competitive squad while maintaining financial stability. Additionally, the potential for further challenges in securing community support should not be overlooked.

Bottom line

The granting of Championship membership to the new Salford team marks a hopeful revival of rugby league in the region after the dissolution of the Red Devils. Successful engagement with the community and sustainable governance will be essential as the new club prepares for the upcoming season and aims to establish a strong foothold in the Championship.

FAQs

What is the Championship in rugby league?

The Championship is the second tier of professional rugby league in the UK, below the Super League, and features teams competing for promotion to the higher league.

When will the new Salford team play its first match?

The new Salford team is scheduled to play its first match against Oldham on 16 January 2026.

Who is leading the new Salford rugby club?

The new Salford rugby club is led by Mason Caton-Brown, a former player for the Red Devils, who has assembled a consortium to manage the team.