Permanent Home Ground Secured
North Wales Crusaders have finalized a landmark agreement to make Electric Brewery Field in Bridgend their permanent home, pending Rugby Football League (RFL) licence approval. Chairman Jamie El-Kaleh confirmed the deal, which marks the club’s first dedicated home ground in its 140-year history. The RFL licence for 2027 remains a prerequisite for the contract’s completion, with El-Kaleh emphasizing the need for "business needs and forward planning" in the process.
Final Home Match as Community Event
Crusaders will host their final 2026 home match at Stadiwm Eirias on Sunday, aiming for a bumper crowd. The game against Halifax Panthers starts at 3pm, with free tickets available for spectators. The event will feature a masters festival, wheelchair rugby league, live music, and end-of-season awards, blending sport with community engagement. El-Kaleh highlighted the "massive upside potential" of the new stadium, despite the challenges of securing the RFL licence.
Hybrid Model for 2027
The club plans to test a hybrid model in 2027, with select league games in South Wales to expand rugby league’s reach while maintaining their core base at Electric Brewery Field. This approach aims to balance regional loyalty with broader audience growth, reflecting the club’s long-term vision. Meanwhile, London Broncos’ perfect season ended with a 34-24 loss to Oldham, leaving them to face Halifax Panthers in their next home game.
