By JOHN DAVIDSON
The North Wales Crusaders Rugby League Supporters group has slammed the owners for the way they are running the struggling Championship club and called for them to step away.
North Wales players have not been paid by the club since March 7, rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads understands, and several staff have already left this year because of alleged unpaid wages.
Last night North Wales posted a statement after their loss to Keighley, which said: “It wasn’t the result we wanted yesterday, but despite the noise the lads who went out there and a did tremendous job”. They then asked for donations.
After that statement, the North Wales Crusaders Rugby League Supporters group, which has 1,500 followers on Facebook, posted: “This is about the future of North Wales Crusaders.
“The current owners must do the right thing and step away from the club. We back the players, staff, and volunteers. We back the badge, every time.
“But we won’t stay silent. The club is at risk. Fans are owed refunds. Communication is non-existent. Promises are broken.
“So here’s the line: Show up. Back the team. Buy your ticket. Nothing more.
“No extras. No donations. Not a penny more. Because right now, that money enables the damage.
“We support the Crusaders – not the ownership.”
North Wales has failed to respond to repeated requests for comment for more than a week. The RFL has also repeatedly declined to comment.
On Companies House, Arun Watkins and his father Bobby Watkins are the only two active directors of North Wales Crusaders.
They took over North Wales after being approved by the RFL at the end of 2024.
It has been alleged that Crusaders owe thousands of pounds to numerous sources, including player pensions, which have not been paid for more than a year.