STUART SIMMONS admits there’s hard work to be done at North Wales Crusaders, but he is looking forward to the task after being appointed as head coach for next season.
Simmons was previously assistant coach under Carl Forster between 2023 and 2025, helping the club reach the League One grand final and then playing an important role in last season’s title-winning campaign.
After signing a deal running until the end of the 2028 campaign, Simmons told the club: “There is a lot of hard work ahead, but together I believe we can rebuild the club and create something everyone can be proud of.”
There’s a month of the season remaining for Crusaders, starting with Sunday’s home clash against Goole Vikings.
Martin Fisher will oversee the first team for the remainder of the current season, providing continuity and stability before Simmons officially takes charge ahead of 2027.
Chairman Jamie El-Kaleh said: “Stuart knows this club inside and out and has already played an important role in some of our greatest recent successes.
“He understands our values, our supporters and the standards we want to set. We are delighted to give him the opportunity to lead the team into this exciting new chapter.”
North Wales Crusaders’ general manager Conrad Anderson added: “Stuart’s appointment gives us continuity, stability and someone who has a genuine connection with North Wales Crusaders.
“He knows what success looks like at this club and understands the hard work required to achieve it.
“I am looking forward to working closely with him as we continue building towards a strong and sustainable future.”
There’s excitement in the ranks as North Wales approach the end of what has been a tough season.
Former Welsh international Ben Evans, who joined the club as a player in 2024, has been appointed as North Wales’ new chief executive officer.
Evans will be tasked with leading the club’s strategic development, strengthen Crusaders’ commercial portfolio and help to establish new partnerships across North Wales and beyond.
Weekend Championship action gets underway today, with Barrow Raiders at home to Rochdale Hornets.
The big match on Sunday is at Widnes Vikings, where undefeated leaders London Broncos are the visitors.
Second-placed Newcastle Thunder pay a visit to Workington Town.
Sunday’s other fixtures: Midlands v Keighley; Swinton v Batley; Dewsbury v Hunslet; Doncaster v Oldham; Sheffield v Halifax.
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