Just read in rl express that with the formation of South Wales rlfc that the Crusaders no longer have to run a reserve grade team. Surely this flies in the face of franchise deals as other clubs have to abide by the rules. The new club is over 120 mile away from the crusaders, are the rfl going against the wishes of the majority who turned against the feeder club proposal. As I see this sets a dangerous precedent as all clubs especially super league clubs could scrap the reserve team if they can get a club stupid enough to take on the role that the new club appear to have been set up to do. Part of the crusaders franchise acceptance was being based in south wales. now with a direct linked to South Wales rlfc this gives the rfl a cop out when the franchises are up for renewal by saying there is a club in south wales. clubs like Widnes should be very concerned and not fooled by the sleight of hand going on.
