League One club North Wales Crusaders have been sold six months into new ownership after approval from the Rugby Football League.
Elkaleh LLC, headed up by Jamie Elkaleh who formerly held roles with the RFL and worked at Hull KR under Tim Sheens, invested and took a majority stake in the club back in June.
Despite that, the club now have new owners with the RFL approving and overseeing regulatory checks of all those involved.
North Wales confirmed that they have been acquired by ‘The Eggchaser Group’, a company rooted in rugby with a ‘specialism in rugby 7’s, design and manufacturing of rugby kit and the provision and pathway for academy players’ – per the Crusaders’ own statement.
Back in June when Jamie Elkaleh took over the club he spoke of the “ambition to elevate North Wales Crusaders” and cited “incoming investment and sponsorship” that would fuel the success with the ultimate aim being to return the club “to the forefront of the game and region”.
North Wales Crusaders rugby league club sold six months after initial takeover
🗞️ Club Statement: North Wales Crusaders acquired by EggChaser Rugby. #NWCrusaders ⚔️
— North Wales Crusaders (@NWCrusaders) December 20, 2024
Despite those claims, Elkaleh has sold his majority stake as confirmed by the club in their statement.
Commenting on the sale, Elkaleh said: “It was an honour to serve the club, it’s a shorter tenure than I initially wanted, however, I’m very pleased to be able to hand over the reins to the new team who have my complete backing, and I will continue to support the club wherever possible.”
The club’s statement provided more details on the acquisition, explaining: “North Wales Crusaders Rugby League Club (North Wales Crusaders LTD) has been acquired by the Eggchaser Group after an agreement was reached between the company and Elkaleh LLC for the sale of the majority stake in the club.”
EggChaser’s non-exec Bobby Watkins said: “This marks an important moment for EggChaser.
“First and foremost, we want to invest our energy to make the Crusaders as successful as possible.
“There’s no limit on our ambition, let’s take it step by step and support the coach and players to have a great season.
“We see many synergies between EggChaser and the Crusaders, and cannot wait to see the side run out in EggChaser manufactured kit, have academy sessions in the area and host events that support new revenue opportunities for the club.”
North Wales Crusaders remain the only rugby league club in the top three flights after West Wales Raiders previously went under.
Super League Disciplinary News
How the new Super League disciplinary system will work in 2025
