NORTH Wales Crusaders are to play a home game in Rhyl this weekend with their usual Colwyn Bay pitch “unavailable”.

The RFL club will welcome Cornwall RLFC to Rhyl and District RFC’s Tynewydd Fields on Sunday (July 30), instead of their usual home of Stadiwm CSM.

Their following home game, on August 6 against Doncaster, will also be played away from Colwyn Bay, and will take place at Hare Lane, the home of Chester RUFC.

A return to Stadiwm USM is anticipated later in August, with the club due to meet Conwy County Borough Council later this week.

In a statement, the club admitted that the late change of plans was “extremely frustrating”.

Conwy County Borough Council said a new 3G pitch is currently being installed at Stadiwm CSM.

North Wales Crusaders said: “The club can now confirm that the next two home games will be played on the road as Stadiwm CSM is unavailable.

“On Sunday, July 30, Rhyl RFC will play host to Cornwall RLFC, kicking off at 2.30pm.

“A bumper day of rugby league is expected, as pre-game we will see the kids’ festival in association with the North Wales Crusaders Foundation, and with many participants staying in the Colwyn Bay area, it was essential we found a venue close by.

READ MORE:

Abergele school makes 'significant progress', Estyn review finds

‘Vile’ Rhyl man attacked ex and kicked dog before she hid in bedroom

“On Sunday, August 6, we will return to Chester RUFC, as we host Doncaster with a 2.30pm kick-off.

“We very much hope we will be able to return to Colwyn Bay for our last regular fixture against London Skolars on Sunday, August 27.

“We were informed last week that the next two games, frustratingly, were not able to play in Colwyn Bay.

“Whilst we appreciate this is extremely frustrating for all involved, we have tried everything possible to make these games go ahead.

“The club needs everyone’s support at this time. The financial and logistical issues that this has caused are taking their toll at present."

A council spokesperson said: "We would like to extend our apologies to the Crusaders team and fans for the additional time the installation and commissioning of our new pitch at Eirias is taking. 

"Specialist teams are working on site to ensure that the new pitch will be available for use as soon as possible.

"The new artificial grass pitch is recognised as a durable, safe, year-round playing surface which will be able to withstand intensive use and all kinds of weather. 

"This significant investment made by Conwy County Borough Council, in conjunction with WRU, will create a more consistent offer for partner organisations such as the Crusaders."

Cllr Aaron Wynne, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: "We are working closely with the Crusaders and we are grateful for their patience whilst the pitch is installed and tested to ensure it meets all safety requirements. 

"We had a meeting to provide an update and we are looking forward to welcoming the team back soon and to developing our partnership working over the next few years."

Andy Moulsdale, chief executive of North Wales Crusaders, said: "The club has held positive conversations with the council.

"As frustrating as the last few months have been, we have put some things in place that will help the club going forward with the help from Conwy County Borough Council.

"This will help improve the matchday experience and post-match for fans and players.

"The issue around ground availability going forward will not impact the club like it has this year.

"Once the pitch is ready, I’m sure the club will see the benefit of the investment from the council."

North Wales Crusaders currently sit sixth in the Betfred League One table, having won five and drawn the other 10 of their 15 matches this season.