Championship club North Wales Crusaders have held meetings with the Rugby Football League about their future, with their 2027 licence addressed.
The Crusaders are one of several clubs to fall into financial difficulties in 2026, even forfeiting a number of games at a point where it looked certain that they would go under.
That was avoided as former owner Jamie Elkaleh formed part of a rescue company, NW Rugby League 26 Limited, that was permitted by the RFL to take over North Wales’ membership for 2026 and effectively save the club.
Of course, that came at a cost as the Crusaders were deducted 12 points and also had a sustainability player cap imposed upon them. Prior to that, the Crusaders had forfeited two games and they’ve since lost every match, conceding an average of 94.7 points per game in those 11 games.
The RFL statement in early May also confirmed: “Any future participation is conditional on a comprehensive business plan being provided to the governing body before being admitted for the 2027 fixture list.”
It seems those discussions are now underway with the Crusaders taking to social media to confirm that representatives have met with the sport’s governing body.
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North Wales Crusaders meet with Rugby Football League over 2027 licence
A statement on the club’s Facebook explained that those discussions had began and that an update would be offered as soon as possible, with North Wales now effectively in a race to be eligible to compete in 2027.
The RFL barred Featherstone Rovers from playing in 2026, revoking their membership, on account of their financial issues, and that recent sanction will loom large ahead of these upcoming negotiations.
North Wales’ statement, posted on August 10th, said: “Representatives of NW Crusaders attended RFL HQ today to discuss our 2027 licence.
“Conversations are ongoing and we will provide an update as soon as possible.”
North Wales had fallen into financial disarray when previous owners, EggChasers, confirmed in early April that they were withdrawing funding from the club.
