Despite being admitted to Super League in 2009 ahead of long standing clubs such as Widnes and Leigh, the Celtic Crusaders (only formed in 2006) endured a torrid time both on and off the park. On the park the club won just three games (one against glamour club Wigan) as they finished bottom of the table. Off the field, they are being investigated by the UK Borders Agency and could face a fine of upto £60,000 after a number of overseas players were found to have incorrect VISA documentation.
Crusaders Rugby League
In 2010 the club will drop their 'Celtic' name as they have announced a move from their Brewery Field home in Bridgend to the Rodney Parade ground in Newport, and will simply be known as Crusaders Rugby League. A big name coaching setup has also been announced as former Great Britain, Bradford and Wigan coach Brian Noble will become Head Coach with Jon Sharpe and Wales boss Iestyn Harris assisting.
Things may no longer be looking so rosy for the Welsh outfit however as owner Leighton Samuel looks set to hand the club over to a Chester based businessman Geoff Moss who will be able to provide the financial backing that the club have failed to find in the Rugby Union heartlands of South Wales. The club are looking to still play a number of games in South Wales, as their 'on the road' fixtures originally scheduled for Wrexham look set to move to Neath where a new team could be entered into Championship One in 2010 and follow in the footsteps of the Celtic Crusaders before them.
Racecourse Ground Wrexham
The new base for the club would be the famous Racecourse Ground, home to Wrexham FC, over 100 miles away and around a 2-3 hour drive. Opened in 1807, the stadium has been home to the non-league football side (famous for defeating Arsenal in the FA Cup) since around 1872 and has hosted both International football and rugby league.
Super League Licence
With a capacity of over 15,000 the largest stadium in North Wales will be enough for the club to gain a licence point when the application process beings in mid 2010 which their Brewery Field home would not. Points are awarded depending upon the clubs on-field success and also the capacity, facilities and location of their stadium. Licence provisions show that clubs will gain a point if they have no other applicants within a 20 mile radius of them. The closest ground to Wrexham would be Widnes' Halton Stadium home which is 32 miles away and so would be another point received. The club were sent a warning letter in 2009 about the state of Brewery Field.
The Crusaders will begin the 2010 season against Champions Leeds (a game already scheduled to be played in Wrexham) before heading to Wigan to face Brian Noble's former club.
Sources:
Adam Conroy - Despite not being an experienced writer, I have had a love of all things sport since a young age. I have travelled both the country and ...
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