Crusaders' foreign players are to be given exemption from overseas quotas to help them find new clubs, the RFL have announced.
Welsh outfit's 'foreign' players given aid in search for new clubs
Crusaders' foreign players have been told they will be given exemption from overseas quotas to help them find new clubs, the Rugby Football League have announced.
The RFL also confirmed that playing contracts at Crusaders beyond this season have now been terminated following the Welsh club's decision to withdraw from Super League.
Clubs are restricted to a maximum of five overseas players and five "non federation trained" players.
As an expansion club, Crusaders had dispensation to sign more such players and currently have a total of 13 on their books.
Following the RFL's announcement, these players will now not count on quotas if other clubs wish to sign them.
Dispensation
This dispensation will apply for the length of contract they sign with any new club.
"Protecting player welfare is of paramount importance to us," stated RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer.
"In being able to act quickly with this special dispensation ruling, we are giving those Crusaders players that have been affected by the club's decision to withdraw their Super League Licence application every opportunity to find a new club from the start of the 2012 season.
"We have been able to do this by working alongside the RLPA and also Crusaders CEO, Rod Findlay, and we would like to thank them for their help in this matter."
On Thursday Australian scrum-half Jarrod Sammut became the first Crusaders player to depart since the club's decision to withdraw on Tuesday, agreeing a one-year deal with the Bradford Bulls.
