Crusaders' coach Iestyn Harris holds "positive" session with Rugby Football League
The Crusaders’ coach, Iestyn Harris, confirmed on August 3 that a meeting with Rugby Football League (RFL) had a very “positive” response. This meeting was adjourned after the club had decided to pull itself out of the Super League licensing process for
the next three years.
It was confirmed by the chief executive of RFL, Nigel Wood, that they are assisting the club to find a new home for the Crusaders' employees and players, who are currently uncertain of their future after the withdrawal episode by the club.
While commenting on the progress in this regard made by the RFL, Wood further added that negotiations with Harris have proved beneficial.
He stated that "Whilst it is formally the obligation of the employer to resolve the issues, it goes without saying that the RFL will do whatever it can, reasonably and practically, to provide assistance to those people directly affected, in order to reach
an agreeable conclusion. Although the full proposals will take some time longer to construct, we are hopeful that an outcome can be reached that is acceptable to all."
Prior to this recent development a public plea to the rival franchises was also made by the chief executive of Crusaders, Rod Findlay. It was requested that the Crusaders’ players along with their coaching staff should be accommodated by the other contender
franchises.
There is uncertainty prevailing amongst the Crusaders pertaining to their future in league. This attempt was made by Findlay to draw attention of the other franchises which are marching into the next season of Super League. He also mentioned that while making
the recruits, it should be factored in by the potential employers that Crusaders are valuable assets to the world of rugby and therefore should be given priority over the fresh talent.
Some of the Crusaders’ players have already found themselves a new home, which includes Jarrod Sammut and Hep Cahill, who will be playing for the Bradford Bulls and Widnes Vikings respectively. There are others who had recently signed up with the Crusaders
incuding Shannan McPherson and Keith Senior, and now their future is in disarray Crusaders will not be part of the Super League for the following three season.
Michael Witt is also one of many victims of an uncertain rugby future. Witt had extended his contract with Crusaders until the end of 2014, just before the Super League licenses were announced.
However, in view of the plea made by the Crusaders’ chief, RFL quickly came down to address the issue. Acknowledging the fact that club had to go for the unforeseen decision due to financial constraints, the RFL came to their rescue and made sure that the
club’ staff was paid. This is not all, Findlay had also asked for a permanent solution for the Crusaders entire staff.
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