Rod Findlay has stepped down as Crusaders RL chief executive following the club’s withdrawal from Engage Super League.

The former in-house lawyer for the Rugby Football League joined the Wrexham club last December after they came out of administration and his last act was to submit an application for them to go into the Championship in 2012.

That bid is still being assessed by the RFL but Findlay confirmed he would not be part of the new club.

Findlay said: “It is a great regret that the owners decided to withdraw the Super League application because we were building something really good on and off the pitch and north Wales is an area that has taken rugby league to its heart.

“There is a lot of local support and some prominent local people pushing for a club under new ownership in 2012. This needs to be locally led with everyone getting behind a sustainable club.

“I want the club to succeed and I have pledged to buy a season ticket if the club survives. I have offered support and advice to those involved but now is the time for both me and the club to look to the future.”

Coach Iestyn Harris and the bulk of the players have also left the club following their final match at Wigan Warriors last Friday.