Its nature makes the journey from the lower divisions to the top tier, the Engage Super League, the most difficult challenge possible. A brutal and wearing sport means the depth of the playing squad is the key factor in competing effectively over the entire season. Luckily the administrators, the Rugby Football League, have tackled that problem by introducing a licensing system, effective franchising, giving the Celtic Crusaders three years to establish themselves.
Surviving the First Year
Fast approaching the end of the first season in the top division it has been a baptism of fire for the Celtic Crusaders. Already struggling for players and support the deep pockets of the owner, Leighton Samuel, were unable to bolster the squad as most top players were already contracted by the time the licenses were doled out.
Super League Champions Provide Tough Start
Even then what players were found from the vast resources of Australian Rugby League were held up by immigration officials seemingly altering policy day by day. The Crusaders faced the champions, the Leeds Rhinos, with eight players having arrived just in time for one training session. In front of over 15,000 fans they acquitted themselves honourably but without success, in many ways the story of the season and with two games of the 27 game season left, the Crusaders sit last in the table with a mere three wins, although many predicted they wouldn't win a single game.
Crusaders Struggle with Crowds
On top of the problems on the field they have struggled off the field as well with a break even point of a 4,500 average attendances needed they have struggled to reach 4000. The owner has ploughed significant amounts of money in the team, General Managers have come and gone, the stadium located in the small town of Bridgend has been sold and a move mooted and eventually agreed, at least for two years, to the slightly bigger town of Newport.
Immigration Plays Tough with Visas
Then days before the return match with the Leeds Rhinos the biggest blow of all. Six Australian players were to be deported and banned from the United Kingdom for ten years for visa irregularities. Many young Welsh players were promoted from the reserve team and in front of 5,500 fans at the Crusaders new home for the next two years, Rodney Parade in Newport, the Celtic Crusaders went down to a record loss of 0-68.
A Sporting Future in Wales?
So what now for the fledgling team seemingly caught in a endless roller-coaster of bad news and unpredictable disaster? Well despite everything there is a palpable air of optimism surrounding the club. New investment, new sponsors and new location. The name is to change to simply the “Crusaders” with a fresh club badge and re-invigorated promotion to the Welsh public. The owner and the staff as well as the vocal hardcore supporters are more determined then ever to succeed. The question is can the club attract the players to succeed where it matters most: on the field. The 2010-2011 season will be the real litmus test for the future of this young rugby league club.
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