Plaid Cymru member blasts decision

Llyr Huws Gruffydd, Plaid Cymru’s Member for North Wales, has demanded that the owners of Crusaders RL “come clean” after their withdrawal from the Super League.  

The last-minute decision by Ian Roberts and Geoff Moss effectively ends the Crusaders’ time in top-flight rugby league and casts a huge shadow over the game’s development in Wales.  

Mr Gruffydd said: “The news of the withdrawal is a complete bolt from the blue and has stunned fans, players and coaching staff alike. It’s a disaster for all sports fans in the North. The impact of the withdrawal is a huge blow to rugby league’s development in Wales. While Crusaders have had a poor season in comparison to last year, it was clear that Iestyn Harris was building a team for next year that would have challenged for the play-offs.  

“This news also jeopardises plans by the Wrexham Supporters’ Trust to buy the football club and Racecourse ground. The owners of Crusaders have a lot of explaining to do for the lack of transparency in dealing with the fans, their employees and Superleague.  

“Had they flagged up their intentions in advance, the Rugby Football League could have put in an interim plan to maintain a Welsh franchise. As things stand, they have left everyone in the lurch and it must call into question plans to host the Four Nations championship game later this autumn and the 2013 World Cup.  

“I would urge Geoff Moss and Ian Roberts to come clean about their intentions and for urgent intervention by Wrexham Council to ensure the Racecourse is maintained as a sporting stadium for the North.”