NORTH WALES CRUSADERS say they are “working constructively” with the RFL to secure a licence for the 2027 Championship campaign.
The second-tier basement club’s bold plans for future progression – which include improving results under incoming new coach Stuart Simmons, becoming Wales Crusaders and playing matches in Bridgend in the south (at a stadium they will part own) as well as Colwyn Bay on the north coast – are dependent on getting the green light from the governing body.
And chairman Jamie El-Kaleh had expressed frustration over the length of time the process was taking.
Now he has explained that the RFL have requested further details – which Crusaders have supplied – and that he is hopeful of providing a positive update by the end of this week.
“It is important to be clear that this is not an attempt to speak negatively about the RFL,” said El-Kaleh.
“They have been supportive of our licence application to date and continue to work with us constructively.
“We appreciate their support and the opportunity to present our case for the future of Wales Crusaders and of Rugby League in Wales.
“Our commitment has not wavered, and neither has our determination. We will continue to fight for this club, for our supporters, and for the future of the sport in our country.”
It’s been a traumatic campaign for Crusaders, who were saved from extinction in May when El-Kaleh led a group who kept the club afloat following an insolvency event under the previous ownership.
The licence given by the RFL was for this year only, with its continuation depending on the presentation of a “comprehensive business plan”.
Last year’s League One champions Crusaders were also handed a deduction of twelve league points and having lost the bulk of their players after they became free agents due to the insolvency, forced to work under a sustainability player cap.
A makeshift squad have struggled on the pitch, with all 13 games under the current owners ending in defeat, many of them heavy.
The club plan to play “four or five” games at the Electric Brewery Field in Bridgend as well as running a development team based in the south of Wales.
Previously, in an open letter to supporters, El-Kaleh said: “Following the conclusion of our final home fixture of the year (the 90-6 defeat by Keighley Cougars), I am writing to you directly to share where things stand.
“Last Sunday, our leadership, staff and players were put in an unacceptable position.
“We had to face our loyal fans, partners and sponsors and frankly admit that we still have no answers as to whether we will have a licence for 2027.
“To be direct, this is the most difficult and demoralising point of this entire process.
“Standing in front of people who pour their passion, time and financial investment into this club with no clarity on our future. It leaves us feeling utterly helpless, and quite frankly, it is not right.
“We want to be entirely transparent with you. We have contacted the RFL urgently for answers. We have given them everything they have asked for throughout this process.
“We demand clarity. We need urgent, definitive answers regarding our licensing status so we can make an informed decision about how we proceed.”