SIX players have departed the North Wales Crusaders following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Crusaders, who lost out in the grand final of the League 1 play-offs, have announced the departures of Deva Gibbons, Jordan Andrade, Matt Fletcher, Jack Houghton, Brad Billsborough and Brad Brennan.

Gibbons joined Cru from Hunslet ahead of the 2022 season and over the course of the 2023 campaign, he made a total of 13 league and cup appearances the side.

Playing in the half back position and also filling in at full back later in the season, Gibbons scored three tries and kicked seven goals to help the play-off push.

Also leaving for pastures new after spending six seasons in North Wales is Houghton.

The big fans’ favourite played in 108 games during his stint at Crusaders, 19 of which came this season.

He scored six tries during the campaign and made his final appearance in the 18-6 play-off grand final loss at Doncaster.

Fletcher joined North Wales Crusaders ahead of the 2022 season from Dewsbury Rams and, in total, he has made 46 appearances during his two seasons with the club, scoring five tries in the process.

Brennan, who joined back in 2018, wore the Crusaders’ shirt on 74 occasions and he crossed the whitewash eight times.

He last appeared for the Crusaders in June’s 30-20 loss versus Hunslet, in a home match that was played in Chester.

Meanwhile Germany international Brad Billsborough will link-up with League 1 rivals Midlands Hurricanes in 2024.

He joined North Wales Crusaders in 2020, making 52 appearances during his time in the region.

Billsborough contributed 213 points for the side from nine tries and 88 goals.

Jamaica international Andrade has made the move to Rochdale Hornets.

He was an ever-present for the Crusaders in 2023 having starred for the club on 22 occasions, scoring a total of 10 tries.

Head coach Gary Thornton told the Rochdale Hornets website: “Jordan will be a fantastic asset to the group both on and off the field. He is a big character and a big personality and will help bring our new group together.

“Jordan is a real handful with his strong running and offload game, something we lacked last season and I’m delighted to be working with him again.”

Andrade added: “After speaking with GT (Thornton), who I have known for a good few years, I really liked the direction that Rochdale is going.

“After getting to the final of the play-offs this year with Crusaders, in 2024 I would love to do one more and get that promotion place and with the signings and coaching staff and facilities I really think this is a real possibility for the Hornets.

“I’ve spoken to a number of the players who have stayed from last year and I really liked the sound of the environment at Rochdale too which is massive for me.”