RFL supports Crusaders players

The RFL is continuing in its efforts to provide practical assistance to all the Crusaders players affected by the club’s decision to withdraw its application for a Super League licence for the seasons 2012 to 2014.

As well as giving special quota dispensations for the Crusaders’ overseas players and club trained players, the RFL is working with the federation trained players at the Racecourse Ground to help ease the uncertainty.

“Many of the Crusaders players, both home-grown and overseas, have already received contract offers from other clubs for next season and we remain committed to doing what we reasonably can to help the handful who have yet to sort out their futures,” said the RFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Ralph Rimmer.

“The welfare of all the Crusaders players is paramount and we are doing all we can to protect their interests. This includes working with the players and other clubs about possible moves and a range of other options such as re-training and further education.

“The Rugby League Players’ Association have been kept fully abreast of what we have been trying to achieve, which makes the recent behaviour of their secretary Geoff Burrow all the more baffling.

“Geoff has had intimate knowledge of the situation at Crusaders over the last 24 months and the players’ union has been fully consulted at all times.

“The RLPA has fully supported all the measures we have put in place to ensure the club’s owners fulfil their commitments to all the players at Crusaders, so for Geoff to suggest there needs to be an inquiry is very disappointing.

“Our negotiations with the club’s owner, the players and their representatives will remain as transparent as confidentiality allows and we remain hopeful of reaching outcomes that are in the best interests of all concerned.”