Salford Red Devils Cease Operations After 152 Years of History

The storied history of the Salford Red Devils has come to an abrupt end after 152 years as the club was officially wound up due to an unpaid tax bill. A specialist companies court issued the winding-up order on Wednesday, concluding a turbulent chapter for the club that faced numerous challenges over the past season.

The hearing lasted just one minute and was linked to outstanding payments owed to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Following the court’s decision, the Rugby Football League (RFL) terminated the club’s membership immediately. This decision follows the Red Devils’ relegation from the Super League after a difficult 2025 campaign, characterized by late wage payments and a mass exodus of players.

Despite this setback, former chief executive Chris Irwin remains optimistic about the future. He stated, “Today marks the end of what has been a turbulent year for fans of Salford Red Devils, its stakeholders and its partners. We all knew it was coming – the inevitable was prolonged. But it’s not the end. The club, its fans, its community will never die.” Irwin is leading a consortium that hopes to establish a new club to continue the legacy of the Red Devils.

Plans for a New Club Emerge

Irwin revealed that discussions have begun with potential coaches and players, as well as the development of a sustainable business plan. The RFL is set to meet on Thursday, 16 November, to assess the situation and potentially facilitate the formation of a new club in time for the upcoming season.

Salford’s difficulties escalated throughout the previous season, culminating in their relegation. Head coach Paul Rowley left to join Super League rivals St Helens, further complicating the club’s operational stability. The RFL confirmed that the termination of the Red Devils’ membership is effective immediately and stated that details on the process for new club ownership will be communicated following the board meeting.

Irwin and his group are working diligently to create a realistic path forward. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the club’s identity while building a new foundation. “Conversations have already begun with a prospective head coach, staff, and potential players to take the club forward,” he noted.

The newly formed club would ideally take the place of the liquidated Red Devils in the second-tier Championship, with the aim to compete against local rivals Oldham when the season begins on 16 January 2026.

The winding-up order against Salford was initiated in June and had been postponed several times to provide an opportunity for the debt to be settled. Unfortunately, the club was not represented in court, which ultimately led to this final decision.

As discussions progress, fans remain hopeful that a phoenix club will rise from the ashes of the Red Devils, ensuring that the spirit of Salford rugby continues on, even in a new guise.