Super League club Crusaders entered administration on Friday.
The troubled Welsh club released a statement saying that inherited debt had “made the business untenable”. Joint administrators Peter O’Hara and Simon Weir have been appointed, although O’Hara indicated he was hopeful that the club could be saved.
O’Hara said: (quote) There was a high level of support and enthusiasm towards Super League rugby in its first season in Wrexham which exceeded the club’s expectations. We are currently pursuing a number of options and are talking to interested parties and the Rugby Football League in the hope that a solution can be found to the club’s current difficulties which would enable it to go forward and maintain rugby league in Wales. (end quote)
In going into administration, the club will almost certainly be deducted six points if they do start the new Super League season after breaching the Rugby Football League’s insolvency regulations. It could also count against them during the next round of Super League licence applications which take place in 2011, although the League would not want to lose one of its expansion clubs.
Iestyn Harris the incoming coach has signed two players, centre Paul Johnson and winger Stuart Reardon, both former Great Britain internationals. Whilst prop Jamie Thackray is leaving to join Barrow Raiders.