Following the announcement that Welsh rugby league team, the Celtic Crusaders, have been successful in their application to win a Super League franchise for the next three years, the Bridgend-based club has been in celebratory mood. The Celtic Crusaders' next home match will be against the Sheffield Eagles on Saturday, 2 August, and it will be shown live on Y Clwb Rygbi 13 on S4C.
"It's great that we've been successful in our bid for a franchise," says Geraint Rhys Davies who won the club's Young Player of the Year Award in 2006.
"We all want to play against the best players and the best teams and now that's a reality," he adds.
It means that the Crusaders will welcome big teams like Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan Warriors and the Catalan Dragons next season. A massive achievement for a team established less than four years ago.
"There's a good chance now for rugby league to make its mark in Wales," explains Geraint. "The success of the Challenge Cup and the Millennium Magic weekends at the Millennium Stadium show there's an appetite for the game here and it's up to us to make the most of the situation."
Salford City Reds will join the Crusaders and the existing teams of the Super League when the enlarged league starts up early in 2009. But despite the success of the two teams, Geraint believes that both the Crusaders and Salford must continue to win in the Co-operative National League One this season.
"Now that we've received Super League status, we have to prove we deserve our place. Both the Crusaders and Salford should go all out to reach the Grand Final of the league this season," he said.
Produced by Rondo production company for S4C, Y Clwb Rygbi 13 is presented by Sarra Elgan, with commentary from Lyn Davies. The game at the Brewery Field, Bridgend is the fourth Celtic Crusaders' home match to be broadcast live on S4C this season.
© 2012 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales