North Wales Crusaders granted Championship membership

The Rugby Football League (RFL) has granted the North Wales Crusaders membership to compete in the Championship next season. This decision follows a period of uncertainty after the club had previously withdrawn its application following a dispute regarding a £150,000 escrow payment requirement.

Club owner Jamie El-Kaleh submitted a revised business plan that satisfied the RFL’s financial queries. As part of the new agreement, the club must play all home games in Colwyn Bay, operate under a sustainability cap, and submit monthly financial reports to the governing body.

RFL chief executive Ian Nolan stated that the club returned with a “far more robust proposal” which, combined with the established escrow arrangement, provides confidence in the club’s ability to proceed.