Cumbria’s Championship rugby league squad Whitehaven RLFC has revealed its fixtures for the 2021 Betfred Championship.

A spokesperson for the club said this weekend: “Our 2021 Betfred Championship campaign will kick off with Haven travelling to West Yorkshire on Easter Weekend to play our first league game in 389 days. Gary Charlton’s squad will travel to the Tetley’s Stadium to take on Dewsbury Rams.”

Whitehaven’s first home game in the league will see them defend the Recreation Ground against promoted Newcastle Thunder on Sunday April 18.

Thunder have stepped up to the Championship to replace Leigh Centurions who were promoted to the Betfred Super League in place of the departed Toronto Wolfpack.

Although they will not travel to the south of France this coming season, Haven take on Toulouse when the French outfit come to the Recreation Ground on Sunday May16. Consecutive away fixtures follow against Widnes Vikings and Sheffield Eagles.

Oldham, who were promoted alongside Whitehaven RL in the 2019 season, will visit the Recreation Ground on Sunday July 25.

Haven travel to face Matt Diskin’s men on Sunday May 9.

The season ends on Sunday September 19 with a clash against Bradford Bulls and fans can expect streaming details soon.

The spokesperson for Whitehaven RL said: “But we can’t wait, not only to return to the field but to welcome all members of the Chocolate, Blue and Gold army to the terraces of the Recreation Ground and see you loud and proud on the away terraces as soon as possible!”

Assistant coach Jonty Gorley said: “It looks very competitive. Our last game was the Challenge Cup game against Dewsbury, we’ve got them in the first game of the Cup and the first game in the league. They’re all going to be hard games regardless of what order they come in.”

Toulouse will be a test for Haven in May, they took a comprehensive victory in 2019, Gorley said: “We couldn’t get away from the quality of Toulouse. They had some real Super League quality players.

But Gorley said that the club are feeling positive after the news.

“It’s been a good week for that. The lads are talking about the games in training but mainly for the fans.”

Haven are seeking a physio for training sessions and match days in the 2021 Championship season. For more details on the role, contact Des Byrne on 07986663866.

Shaun Drinkwater has once again launched the 300 Club to raise funds for Whitehaven RLFC.

The ongoing raffle has already raised £1200 for the club. To get involved and support the club visit contact Shaun on 07938863720. You can also contact him or Simon Taylor via Facebook.