NORTH WALES CRUSADERS have lost former captain Chris Barratt to Rochdale Hornets, while signing two new players of their own.

Rochdale say they paid a “significant transfer fee” for prop Barratt, who led North Wales to the League One title last season.

He’s their second signing this week after George Roby joined from another Championship rival, Swinton Lions.

The Crusaders, meanwhile, have had significant changes to their squad and staff since winning the final third-tier campaign and appointed Krisnan Inu as head coach on Wednesday.

They have brought in the duo of Maciu Nabogi and Tomo Clark, both from fourth-tier rugby union club Rossendale.

Clark has previous professional rugby league experience with Cornwall, playing three times for them in the 2024 season including against North Wales.

Barratt spent more than six years at the Crusaders, scoring 32 tries in 121 appearances, and served as captain for two before losing the role to Josh Eaves this year.

“After speaking to (Rochdale coach) Gary Thornton, it was an easy decision to make, as it sounds like he’s building something I want to be part of,” said Barratt.

Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached an agreement with North Wales Crusaders for the transfer of Chris Barratt.

“He is a big, experienced and uncompromising prop forward who has been a cornerstone of North Wales’ pack and a thorn in our side over the past five or six years.

“This move should further demonstrate we are a well-run club on the up, and it’s further evidence to our supporters, partners and wider community of the direction Rochdale Hornets is now heading in.”