RFL chief executive Nigel Wood says Crusaders can now move forward with "renewed confidence" after staying in Super League.
Welsh club in position to move forward, says RFL chief executive
Rugby Football League chief executive Nigel Wood says Crusaders can now move forward with "renewed confidence" after winning the right to stay in Super League.
The Wrexham-based outfit's future had been in doubt after they were placed in administration to prevent them from being wound up.
But after protracted talks with the RFL, officials from the Welsh club have been given the green light to resume control of the club.
Chairman Ian Roberts and director Geoff Moss now hope to form a new company that is not as affected by the burden of debt inherited from the old Celtic Crusaders outfit.
And Wood now says that the Crusaders have a bright future despite the financial problems that have blighted them in recent times.
"I'm very happy that there is an equitable solution that protects the interests of the league and the club, which is in a position to move forward with renewed confidence," he said.
Hiccups
"I think rugby league in Wales has never been in a better state, despite the hiccups of the last four or five weeks."
The RFL were keen to help Crusaders survive after an encouraging first season in Wrexham that saw them reach the Super League play-offs.
Pre-season training under new coach Iestyn Harris has already begun but Wood has confirmed that they face a deduction of up to six points for going into administration.
He added: "An act of administration transgresses the operational rules."
The penalty will be decided upon by the RFL's board of directors at a meeting next Friday, when Crusaders' re-admission to Super League will be formally accepted.
A breach of the League's insolvency rules is also unlikely to adversely affect their bid for a new Super League licence from 2012 after clubs voted recently for a rule change.
"The fact will be taken into consideration when looking at the totality of what the club can contribute to the competition," Wood added.
