NORTH Wales Crusaders have announced they will not compete in the Championship in 2027.
The Colwyn Bay-based club, taken over by new ownership in May following a previous insolvency, needed to prove long-term viability to the Rugby Football League to secure a competition licence.
The club said that despite having “fulfilled every requirement set out” by the RFL, it could not agree to terms over where an escrow payment of £150,000 would be deposited.
It believes it is now too late to prepare for 2027 but hopes to return the following year.
In a statement, the club said it had “demonstrated solid financial backing from our sponsors and co-owners” but insisted that “escrow must be fully independent, without unreasonable rules or restrictions imposed upon it.”
“We are incredibly saddened by the position we now find ourselves in,” the statement added.
“However, we cannot agree to the RFL’s current stance on these terms.”
The club said it would be “prepared to step back in immediately” if the RFL “reconsidered its position”, but would otherwise focus on 2028.
RFL chief executive Ian Nolan said: “It is unfortunate it has come to this as all parties have been working hard to get membership across the line.
“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.”
Share