In respect of Crusaders decision to withdraw their Super League Licence application for the 2012-2014 seasons, the RFL have today granted special dispensation in order to reduce the adverse impact on the players of Crusaders, who were facing an uncertain future after their contracts were terminated.

Due to the dispensation in place, in total there are 13 players (Non-Federation Trained and overseas quota players) from Crusaders who have been displaced. This is a unique set of circumstances, as clubs other than Crusaders have a more limited number of Non-Federation and Quota players.

The RFL have agreed the following:

• Federation Trained dispensation is granted to the displaced Non-Federation Trained Crusaders players.
 
• Any club that signs one or more of the players be granted an exemption on their quota.
 
• In both cases the dispensation or exemption is granted for the length of the contract signed by player and club.

In addition, there are a number of players, who have obtained Club Trained (CT) or Club Trained Whilst There (CTWT) status with Crusaders. Due to their age, none of them will have the opportunity to achieve CT or CTWT status with another member club.

With this in mind, the RFL have agreed the following:

• Those players that were CT or CTWT are granted CTWT status for the duration of their next contract with a Super League club.

“Protecting player welfare is of paramount importance to us,” said RFL’s Chief Operating Officer Ralph Rimmer.

“In being able to act quickly with this special dispensation ruling, we are giving those Crusaders players that have been affected by the club’s decision to withdraw their Super League Licence application every opportunity to find a new club from the start of the 2012 season.  We have been able to do this by working alongside the RLPA and also Crusaders CEO, Rod Findlay, and we would like to thank them for their help in this matter.” he added.