NORTH Wales Crusaders have quashed rumours that they are intending to leave The Racecourse Stadium, branding the speculation as “utter nonsense”.
Rumours appeared online that the Championship One club will be departing for pastures new, but Crusaders’ chief executive Jamie Thomas has flatly denied the suggestion.
“All these rumours are totally without foundation,” he said.
“We have a fantastic relationship with Glyndwr University who have been working hard with ourselves, Wales RL and the RFL to establish the stadium as one of the UK’s premier grounds for Rugby League. It’s the best ground in the division and arguably the division above as well. Why would we go anywhere else?
“Furthermore, with the appointment of Paul Fletcher as the new stadium development director, it’s going to be really exciting to be part of that future.
“The only thing we have said is we’re on the lookout for a temporary home, should we miss a few games in coming seasons due to development works.
“All of a sudden that gets blown up into a rumour that we're heading for the door and nothing is further from the case.
“We’ll be playing here for a long time to come, as long as Glyndwr University want us and they offer us an affordable rent, we’ll be here.”
Maurice Jones, a North Wales Crusaders Supporters Club board member, said the rumours were ridiculous. He feared they were the result of Chinese whispers where people were misunderstanding possible future plans.
“I have heard there is a possibility the pitch at The Racecourse may be relaid at some stage next year. That in turn might mean if the Crusaders have any home games scheduled for that time period they may have to be played elsewhere or rearrange the dates. As far as I am concerned that’s all there is to it.
“Glyndwr have been absolutely marvellous. They want the Crusaders to stay at the ground and the Crusaders want to stay. The university has given the club a great deal.”
A Glyndwr University spokesman said: “As part of the university’s plans to improve the stadium’s infrastructure we have informed the Crusaders they may have to find an alternative venue for up to three games in the 2013-14 season while potential planned pitch improvements are made in time for 2013 Rugby League World Cup.
Both the Wales v USA group match and a quarter-final will be held at the stadium.
“The university has a strong relationship with the Crusaders. The reason behind the possible temporary move is in fact our commitment to ensuring rugby league has a strong future at the Glyndwr University Racecourse Stadium, both through the Crusaders and international fixtures.”