Club who withdrew from League One before 2023 still given vote in IMG decision
LLANELLI, WALES - MARCH 21: Gavin Henson of West Wales Raiders (C) looks on as their side concede a try during the Betfred Challenge Cup match between West Wales Raiders and Widnes Vikings at Stebonheath Park on March 21, 2021 in Llanelli, Wales. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
It was announced over Christmas that West Wales Raiders were to cease to compete in the 2023 League One campaign as the club looked for new ownership.
It’s unclear what will happen to the Raiders but it left League One in an unsure position.
When the news came out, the club released the following statement:
“It’s with great sadness that we have to write this but the West Wales Raiders will not be competing within the RFL professional league in the 2023 season.
The club informed the RFL on Wednesday that they will not be taking part in either competition this season.
“After 5 seasons within the professional ranks both Andrew & Peter felt it was the right time to give someone else an opportunity to try and take the club on within the sport. Numerous parties have shown interest but most have fallen once they realised how much personal finances and time is needed to run a club within league 1.
“The Raiders began back in 2015 and had 2 seasons in the amateur leagues before entering league 1 in 2018, since then there has been a lot of ups and downs. The club has had great pleasure to have been involved with the professional ranks for the past 5 seasons and felt, regardless of results, that we kept up with many of the larger teams with our ‘off the pitch’ work.
“The owners will continue to support the RFL & WRL to try and find a new group to keep a professional club within Wales especially after all the great work being done within the community by WRL over the past 12 months.”
Despite all of this, the club still received a vote in yesterday’s decision on IMG and the future of the sport.
This was despite the fact Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique were not given a vote as they are not members.