'We want to provide a real boost to the local area'

The Crusaders have signed a new two-year deal with Conwy County Borough Council that will see them call Eirias Stadium their home until at least the end of the 2023 season.

Eirias Stadium hosted Crusaders’ home fixtures in 2021 on the back of the club’s move from Queensway Stadium in Wrexham.

Crusaders’ attendances at Eirias Stadium nearly doubled last season as local people and businesses took to the club and sport of rugby league.

Given the success of the move, the club have moved quickly to sign a new contract with Conwy County Borough Council for the next two seasons.

Crusaders' chief executive Andy Moulsdale said: “We can’t thank the council and people in the local area enough for their support since our move to Eirias Stadium.

“This was a big move for us as we’ve always been based in the Wrexham area previously, but the response has been fantastic and it’s provided us with so many more opportunities to develop the club.

“While we’ll continue working with our loyal fanbase in Wrexham to make it as easy as possible for them to attend our games at Colwyn Bay, we’ll be doing a lot more work in the local community to introduce people to the fantastic sport of rugby league.

“Not only have we seen our crowds grow considerably with the fantastic facilities and matchday experience the stadium has to offer, but we’ve also welcomed many new commercial partners on board.

“We’re the only professional rugby league club in the North Wales region and we want to provide a real boost to the local area.

“We’re very fortunate to have such a strong working relationship with the council and we’re looking forward to developing that further in the coming seasons.

“2021 was a season to remember for us and I’ve doubt that the atmosphere generated at Eirias Stadium made a real difference once fans were able to return.

“This new deal provides plenty of opportunities for us in what will no doubt be an exciting future for the club as we look to continue our development on and off the field.”

Meanwhile, the Crusaders have added hooker Paul Nash to their squad ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Nash came through the academy system at Super League champions St Helens alongside a number of other players currently in the Crusaders’ squad.

The 21-year-old, who has represented England Youth in the past, joined then Championship club Swinton Lions ahead of the 2021 season, featuring heavily in the early part of last term.

The hooker has now linked up with North Wales as they look to build on a solid campaign in 2021.

Nash said: “I can’t wait and I’m excited for a new challenge.

“I know a few of the lads at Crusaders and they’ve helped me to get on board.

“I work with Brad Billsborough and he’s told me all about the club and what they’re aiming to achieve.

“It’s a big reason why I’ve moved to the club as it’s clear they’re on the up and I want to be involved.

“I’m hoping we can push on a little bit further and challenge once again for the top spots in League 1.

“I just want to try and break into the squad as best as I can and get regular game time.

“I’m a lively player who always wants to be on the attack and I hope the fans will think of me as someone who’ll do a job for the team.”

Crusaders head coach Anthony Murray added: “He’s come through the system at St Helens and joins us with good wraps.

“I’m sure he’ll fit in well with our systems and how we go about our business.

“A lot of the lads know him, have played alongside him before and speak highly of him.

“I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing what he brings to us next season.”