Cornwall have released a statement to confirm their immediate withdrawal from League One with the club unable to secure the required funding. Cornwall were founded in 2021 with former Toronto Wolfpack owner Eric Perez leading the way for the Choughs.
They entered League One in 2022 under the stewardship of head coach Neil Kelly and have spent three full seasons in the third tier of northern hemisphere rugby league. However, the club have been unable to make progress required on and off the field, finishing eighth last season before local businessmen Kenny Stone completed his purchase of the club in November 2024.
Unfortunately, further funding has not been secured and as a result Cornwall have been left with no choice but to leave the competition.
Their withdrawal comes with the club in seventh, having claimed one win from their opening three games, but their 78-6 loss to Whitehaven at the weekend will be the club’s last competitive fixture.
A statement on the club website read: “Cornwall RLFC can provide the following update to its stakeholders, supporters and the wider rugby league community regarding the club’s future.
“Regrettably, the club will be withdrawing from Betfred League 1 with immediate effect, with the recent match against Whitehaven its last. The scheduled fixture away to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday will not take place, nor will the club fulfil its remaining 2025 fixtures.
“The club’s current ownership group, who gained control of Cornwall RLFC back in November, immediately sought further investment to try and stabilise the club and to grow the game of rugby league in the Duchy, through a professional club.
“Significant progress was made with potential overseas investors to achieve this although sadly, due the current uncertainties in the United States of America, this has not been possible.
“The club have subsequently explored other avenues to secure required funding, but these have been extensively exhausted, leaving Cornwall RLFC with no option other than to withdraw immediately.
“Cornwall RLFC would like to place on record its thanks to the club’s players, coaching staff, officials, sponsors and fans for their unwavering support over the past four years.
“The club will be making no further comment on this matter.”
Club Statement.
Read more here: https://t.co/hrx3JdHJNy pic.twitter.com/KEKPTZZfVv— Cornwall RLFC (@CornwallRLFC) April 2, 2025
