Wakefield AFC have announced that, with immediate effect, the club will be playing its home matches at Pontefract Collieries' Hunters Stadium.

The Macron NCEL Division One club's next home fixture, versus Route One Rovers next Tuesday (18th), will be the first to be played at the new venue.

The agreement covers the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons with an option to renew by both parties.

A statement by the club's directors said: "This is a significant development for the club.

"For the first time in our history, we will play our home games in a football stadium rather than rugby facilities.

"Hunters Stadium has excellent access from central Wakefield by train, and features a brand new 4G pitch that will help reduce cancellations while supporting the style of football [manager] Jason [Blunt] is implementing with the squad.

"Most importantly, we would like to thank [chairman] Trevor Waddington, [vice chairman] Tom Wiles and everyone at Pontefract Collieries for welcoming Wakefield AFC.

"Over the years we’ve developed a good relationship with Pontefract Colls' directors and we are looking forward to working together. "

The announcement also outlined the reasons for the move away from Featherstone Rovers' Millennium Stadium.

Is said: "It became clear that Featherstone cannot honour the current agreement we have in place, and they want us to move out.

"There is no ill intent, Featherstone are facing serious financial challenges, and need to reduce expenses.

"At the same time, we face challenges of our own and the board can’t add more out-of-pocket expenses to play at Millennium Stadium.

"We thank the Featherstone community and supporters who welcomed us.

"The situation at Featherstone is simply too complicated with too many variables beyond our control.

"We had to safeguard our own club's future and we hope to see you at Pontefract for our home games."

The Macron NCEL website will be updated to reflect the new venue for Wakefield AFC in due course.