The RFL have released a statement following the voluntary withdrawal of North Wales Crusaders from the 2027 Championship season.

The Welsh outfit has reluctantly made the decision to pull out from next year’s second-tier competition following a five-month process with the governing body about their license for next season.

Starting in May, the Crusaders say they have been as transparent as they possibly can with both the league and the fans, but after being told to hand over £150,000 to an RFL solicitor as an escrow, it was decided that enough was enough.

With too little time remaining before pre-season resumes and the fact that all other clubs are close to finalising their business ahead of the new year, the club have made the sorry decision to withdraw from next year’s competition with the aim of re-entering the division in 2028.

The club’s reserves, wheelchair and women’s teams will remain up and running as usual.

RFL statement after North Wales Crusaders pull out of 2027 Championship season

The governing body shared a statement to Serious About Rugby League which reads in full:

“The RFL Board can confirm that North Wales Crusaders have withdrawn from the process of securing club membership for the 2027 season.

“A new ownership group took over the club in May and were awarded interim membership to take it on until the end of the 2026 Championship season.

“Any future participation was conditional on a comprehensive business plan being approved by the governing body before being admitted for the 2027 fixture list.

“Unfortunately, North Wales have, so far, been unable to satisfy all of the RFL Board’s requests for next year.”

The RFL CEO Ian Nolan, who only started his new role at the beginning of October, added: “It is unfortunate it has come to this as all parties have been working hard to get membership across the line.

“I want to place on record our thanks to (North Wales Crusaders owner) Jamie Elkaleh and his team for their endeavours, hard work and determination in support of the club.

“The RFL is always striving to protect the history and the heritage of the game while also promoting and assisting it in new areas.

“We work hard with clubs throughout the year on various matters to help and augment them.

“We have done this with North Wales and together we have sought solutions.

“In this instance, our primary duty is to staff and players to ensure North Wales could sustain the full season, both in being able to pay them and creditors as well as the ability to fulfil fixtures.

“After careful consideration and due diligence, the RFL Board felt an escrow account would help ensure that happens.

“Unfortunately, despite the parties attempting to find an acceptable and independent way of facilitating the escrow, the club was unwilling to agree to any proposed suggestion or deposit the funds.

“Sadly, it means they will not compete in the Championship in 2027, but we are keen to continue working with them, maintain constructive dialogue and try to secure a future for the club and professional rugby league in North Wales.

“Furthermore, we are heartened by their public announcement they will be back bigger and stronger in 2028.”

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