Crusaders Colts Explained

The Crusaders Colts were established as a feeder team for the Celtic Crusaders rugby league team, and participated in the Rugby League Conference National Division in 2008. The side was set up as a joint venture by the Crusaders club and the Wales Rugby League board to allow Welsh players to play a higher level of rugby than the current Welsh Premier division which was made up of all the other Welsh teams across South Wales.[1] The Crusaders Colts were coached by Dan Clements,[2] and won the Conference National in their only season, coming second in the league table by losing just three matches,[3] but eventually winning the Grand Final by beating Bramley Buffaloes 26–4.[4] However, due to the Celtic Crusaders promotion into Super League, the team were disbanded and a new reserve grade side was established solely by the club for the 2009 season.[5] [6] The team played in a striped gold and black shirt, with black shorts and socks.[7] Many of the Colts players went on to represent Wales at various levels,[8] play in the Crusaders first team, or joined the South Wales Scorpions.[9]

See also

Notes and References

  1. http://www.cymrurl.com/news/2008/2008-1-3.html Wales Rugby League - Colts Announced
  2. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sports/rugby-league-news/2008/06/26/rugby-league-david-ready-to-take-on-the-world-91466-21150265/ Glamorgan Gazette - David Ready To Take On The World
  3. http://www.bramleybuffs.com/club/history Bramley Buffaloes - History
  4. http://www.crusadersrfl.com/page.php?id=556 Crusaders RL - Colts 2008 Grand Final
  5. http://www.rugbynetwork.net/main/s680/st143041.htm South Wales Scorpions - Crusaders Colts
  6. http://www.totalrl.com/index.php?showtopic=170698 TotalRL - New 2009 Season
  7. http://www.totalrl.com/index.php?autocom=gallery&req=user&user=19172&op=view_album&album=161 TotalRL - Colts Pictures
  8. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sports/rugby-league-news/2008/06/25/rugby-league-crusaders-students-set-for-global-challenge-91466-21143302/ South Wales Echo - Crusaders Students Set For Global Challenge
  9. http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sports/rugby-league-news/2010/04/21/rugby-league-south-wales-scorpions-sign-geraint-davies-91466-26284294/ Western Mail - Scorpions Sign Geraint Davies