Crusaders confirm Wrexham move

Crusaders RL have confirmed their move from south Wales to the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

Crusaders have been taken over by Wrexham Football Club and will play 11 of their 13 home matches at the Racecourse Ground, including the opening fixture against defending Super League champions Leeds Rhinos on January 28.

Wrexham chief executive Paul Retout said: “North Wales has been starved of major sporting success for too many years and we are confident we can achieve that success in Super League with Crusaders RL.

“Bringing Super League to Wrexham is akin to bringing Premiership football to Wales. Crusaders RL really puts Wrexham on the map. It’s great news for the town, for Wales and for rugby league.”

“Without Wrexham FC, there would not have been a Crusaders RL playing in Super League in 2010. Super League would have been lost to Wales.”

Crusaders’ other two home games will be staged in south Wales to enable the club to maintain a Super League presence in the region and they will forge links with newly-formed Co-operative Championship One club South Wales, who are based at Neath.

Crusaders chief executive Mike Turner said: “Every option was explored to preserve the Crusaders and we’re grateful for Wrexham Village Ltd for coming in.

“They were the only realistic option to ensure the survival of the club and without them the Crusaders wouldn’t have been around to start the 2010 season.”

Crusaders haven’t officially confirmed any signings for 2010, but Hull hooker Tommy Lee, Matt Utai and Michael Witt are all widely thought to have signed deals for the club.