Crusaders quiet on speculation

Super League club Crusaders were refusing to comment on Tuesday night on reports they have been issued with a winding-up petition.

It has been claimed Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs have served the order on behalf of the Government. That has led to speculation the Wrexham-based outfit could opt to go into administration - which could incur a points deduction - but officials at Crusaders will not confirm the reports.

A Crusaders spokesman said: "The club appreciates the concerns of supporters but we are not currently in a position to comment on matters. The club will make a further announcement regarding these issues in the near future."

It has emerged, however, that Crusaders are facing legal action from the players union over missing pension payments.

The Rugby League Players Association have begun proceedings after Crusaders failed to explain why wage deductions from eight past or present overseas players have not been paid into pension plans as agreed.

The matters could cast fresh uncertainty over the future of the Crusaders, whose existence was jeopardy until a takeover by a consortium led by Wrexham FC chairman Geoff Moss 11 months ago.

The RLPA say the pensions issue dates back prior to the club's change of ownership and corresponding relocation from Bridgend to north Wales 11 months ago.

The players concerned should have had an agreed amount from their salaries paid into offshore pension funds but the RLPA say these monies have gone missing.

They became aware of the problem when tax officials from HMRC sought relevant paperwork.

Crusaders faced an uncertain future last year after a dismal first season in Super League, in which they finished bottom of the table and had six players deported over a breach of visa regulations. However, they have made a modest success of their move to Wrexham, attracting stronger crowds in 2010 and qualifying for the Super League play-offs in eighth place.