ROAR 13/03/26 – Swinton Lions RLFC

LIONS v SHEFFIELD EAGLES

Sunday 15 March 2026 – Kick-Off 3pm

This coming Sunday we welcome Sheffield Eagles to Heywood Road in the Preliminary Round of the 1895 Cup, the knockout tournament reserved for non-Super League clubs.

It’s a tough assignment for Swinton against an established top-end Championship outfit, but the Lions will be giving it their best and hoping to win through to a First Round tie away against Rochdale Hornets on Sunday 19 April.

As always, the Lions would very much appreciate your support. Match tickets are available via our website at https://swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk/tickets/ whilst cash or card payments are also welcome on the gate on the day.

CHAMPIONSHIP FIXTURE NEWS

Following the exclusion of Featherstone Rovers from the 2026 Championship fixture list, the Lions are left with a blank weekend on 21/22 March.

Seven days later, on 29 March, we face Doncaster at the Eco-Power Stadium (DN4 5JW), with a 3pm kick-off.

It was good to hear that Halifax Panthers have been resurrected in time to resume their 2026 fixture obligations. Therefore, please note that the Lions will entertain Halifax at Heywood Road on Sunday 7 June, and travel to The Shay on Sunday 5 July.

LOANEES UPDATE

The loans of Alfie Sinclair, Leon Cowen and Luca Walsh from St Helens, and Jack Purtill from Wigan, have come to an end for the time being.

Cameron Bate has been recalled by Bradford Bulls owing to injuries within the Odsal club’s squad.

Deacon Connolly, from Widnes Vikings, who made his debut last weekend against Newcastle Thunder, remains with us on an initial one-month loan.

OUTGOING LOANS

Ellis Anderson
Ellis has signed Reserve Team Dual Registration forms with St Helens.

Jordan Brown
Similarly, Jordan has signed a Reserve Team Dual Registration arrangement with Leigh Leopards.

ASSISTANT COACH

Earlier this week we were delighted to confirm that Anthony Murray has joined us as our new Assistant Coach.

Anthony joins us with a wealth of coaching experience at this level over the past 13 years, having been Head Coach at Barrow, North Wales Crusaders, Workington Town and Whitehaven.

Many Swinton supporters may not be aware that “Muzza” actually played three times for the Lions early in the 2002 season, holding Heritage Number 966. His appearances all came at Gigg Lane, Bury, shortly before the club departed that venue:

20 Jan 2002 – Swinton Lions 6 – 41 Workington Town (League Match)
30 Jan 2002 – Swinton Lions 32 – 24 Skirlaugh (after extra time) – Challenge Cup 3rd Round
17 Feb 2002 – Swinton Lions 4 – 48 Huddersfield (League Match)

INJURIES UPDATE

Jack Stevens
Jack continues to receive intensive treatment and is likely to miss the next eight or nine weeks.

Ben Killan
Happily, Ben is set to make his Lions debut against Sheffield Eagles on Sunday.

Reece Briers, Harry Higham, Jonny Openshaw and Bobby Shingler
All four are unlikely to feature against Sheffield Eagles. Further updates to follow.

Fin Beardsworth
Fin continues to be our most serious concern, and a return to action is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

LIONS & LIONESSES v SALFORD RLFC

Sunday 5 April

One of the most eagerly awaited dates in the 2026 calendar is the huge double-header versus Salford on Sunday 5 April, with our Lions kicking off at 2pm and the Lionesses at 4.30pm.

Match tickets remain on open sale via our website https://swintonlionsrlfc.co.uk/tickets/

We also have a limited number of Corporate Hospitality places still available at only £45 per person, which includes match tickets and a two-course lunch.

To enquire about hospitality please email:
[email protected]

CHALLENGE CUP TROPHY COMES TO SWINTON

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured the loan of the Challenge Cup Trophy, coinciding with the exact 100th anniversary of our victory over Oldham in the 1926 Final.

The trophy will be at Heywood Road on Sunday 3 May, when we face Midlands Hurricanes in a Championship fixture.

Look out for further updates and photograph opportunities with the Trophy.

MANCHESTER SWINTON LIONESSES UPDATE

The Manchester Swinton Lionesses enjoyed a fantastic start to their preparations for the 2026 season with an impressive 32–6 pre-season victory over Widnes Vikings yesterday.

It was an encouraging performance from the Lionesses squad, with plenty of positive signs as the team continues to build momentum ahead of the new campaign.

The club has also now announced the Lionesses’ squad numbers for the upcoming season, marking another exciting step as preparations continue.