Rugby Update: Crusaders back in action- Club repurchased
This Friday after owners completed the repurchase of Engage Super League (ESL) club, Crusaders were out of administration. The club was put into administration by co-owner Geoff Moss and Chairman Ian Roberts in November. They wanted to free themselves from
this bulky debt which was inherited from Leighton Samuel, the previous owner. Both the personals have paid an undisclosed amount to regain control.
The joint administrators, Simon Weir and Peter O’Hara have up till now liberated at least seven rugby league clubs in this last decade. They declared that even this deal was not without its problems. The joint administrators wished the club a prosperous
future and were confident that club will move to the fore on a technically sound financial traction. Now the people of North Wales will keep the club running.
Crusaders a Welsh Rugby League Club is now based in Wrexham. Previously it was located at Brewery Field in Bridgend, before it was moved to its current location this year. Crusaders were founded in 2005 and since then the club has played all the divisions
of certified rugby league structure. Crusaders have the honour to win National League Two in 2007. They were levelled up to National League One after this successful tournament. The club was granted with Super League license in 2009. Other than Bridgend and
Wrexham, the club has been playing in The Gnoll as well. For the first four seasons, the club was known as Celtic Crusaders, but the prefix was dropped later on as the club was relocated.
The club also runs an Under 18 side with players selected from Conference Welsh Premier. The U18 side plays only in Gillette National Youth League. Crusaders also had a reserve team which was dissolved before 2010, due to the changes in Super League rules.
A number of players from reserve team became a core for South Wales Scorpions. South Wales Scorpions were formed last year and are loosely controlled as off the record feeder club to the Crusaders.
Crusaders Limited is now owned to Wrexham based club’s property. The players are transferred to their payroll on an unrevealed sum. The company is now supported by the owners of town’s Racecourse Ground, Wrexham Village. The Crusader’s team is renamed and
will be known as Crusaders RL in future. According to a fresh announcement, no alterations in the management or the players expected. The new firm has employed Celtic Crusaders’ other staff and has decided to honour the supporters with this seasons’ tickets.
High level support and interest in Super League rugby was observed in Wrexham’s first season. This hype was a positive note for the club, as it was above expectations. But the previous financial losses and debts were a major hurdle in club’s ability to carry
on financially. Peter O’Hara said, "We are confident that with the backing of the landlord of the ground, and with new working capital facilities the club will thrive at its Wrexham home.” The joint administrator is equally satisfied as the owner
is. Crusaders released three associates of the organization alongside few players out of contract.
Rod Findlay, Crusaders latest chief executive said, “it is a huge relief to come out of administration and now everyone can look forward to the upcoming season.” He further explained the excitement of everyone, as the club decided to add a flavour
of interesting commercial vista off the field.
RFL was resolute in this matter and wanted the club to be back in action. Noble, the Former Great Britain coach took over John Dixon’s place after the changes in ownership. Now Noble has been replaced by Wales coach Lestyn Harris. Harris replaced two of
the six Crusaders’ team members at his arrival. He is all set to recruit new and the old players for the upcoming match against Cardiff. Roberts said:
"We will back Lestyn and the players 100%. Rugby league has really captured the imagination of the north Wales public.” He has put faith in the new coach and realizes the challenges that are yet to come. It is a good sign from the club as it has set
realistic targets for itself and actually has a plan. Future of this delightful sport in north Wales is now protected.
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