The club insist they have proved to the RFL that they have the finances and are ready to play in the competition for next season.

But the RFL say certain requests that they have put to the Crusaders have not been satisfied.

Both parties have released detailed statements about the bombshell news, with the Welsh side announcing last night that they are willing to meet RFL CEO Ian Nolan to present their business plan and get a last-gasp reprieve for next year.

But as it stands, the Championship will go ahead without them in 2027, while there is still uncertainty about whether Featherstone Rovers will return to the competition.

Given there is still no news on what exactly the make-up of Super League or the Championship will look like next year, these are uncertain times for the game in the UK.

Wales Crusaders said yesterday: “We want to make our position absolutely clear.

“We believe we have fulfilled every requirement set out for us by the RFL, including providing financial assurances from three separate parties, including Jamie and Hummel.

“We also fulfilled every fixture in 2026 in good faith, demonstrating our commitment to the competition and to the sport.

“The central issue remains the proposed escrow (a third party holding money or assets on agreed terms) arrangements and the conditions attached to them.

“Our position is that escrow must be fully independent, without unreasonable rules or restrictions imposed upon it.

“We have demonstrated solid financial backing from our sponsors and co-owners, including Hummel.

“We are incredibly saddened by the position we now find ourselves in. However, we cannot agree to the RFL’s current stance on these terms.

“Our commitment to the club and to rugby league in Wales has not changed.

“Should the RFL reconsider its position and grant us a licence, we stand ready to compete in 2027. We are prepared to step back in immediately.

“If that opportunity does not come, we will continue building the club towards 2028 and beyond.

“We are here for the long term, and our determination to help rugby league grow in Wales remains as strong as ever.”

Former Bulls and Cougars second row Brad England starred for North Wales in this win over Swinton back in February, but it has been a difficult eight months for the club since. (Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

The RFL have responded, and in a statement sent to the T&A last night, they appeared to close the door on the Crusaders playing next year.

They said: “The RFL Board can confirm that North Wales Crusaders have withdrawn from the process of securing club membership for the 2027 season.

“A new ownership group took over the club in May and were awarded interim membership to take it on until the end of the 2026 Championship season.

“Any future participation was conditional on a comprehensive business plan being approved by the governing body before being admitted for the 2027 fixture list.

“Unfortunately, North Wales have, so far, been unable to satisfy all of the RFL Board's requests for next year.”

RFL chief executive Nolan added: “It is unfortunate it has come to this as all parties have been working hard to get membership across the line.

“I want to place on record our thanks to Jamie Elkaleh and his team for their endeavours, hard work and determination in support of the club.

“The RFL is always striving to protect the history and the heritage of the game while also promoting and assisting it in new areas.

“We work hard with clubs throughout the year on various matters to help and augment them.

“We have done this with North Wales and together we have sought solutions.

“In this instance, our primary duty is to staff and players to ensure North Wales could sustain the full season, both in being able to pay them and creditors as well as the ability to fulfil fixtures.

“After careful consideration and due diligence, the RFL Board felt an escrow account would help ensure that happens.

“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, maintain constructive dialogue and try to secure a future for the club and professional rugby league in North Wales.”