North Wales Crusaders can confirm the departure of Head Coach Carl Forster who leaves the club with immediate effect in order to take up a full-time position at a Super League club.
Forster arrived at North Wales Crusaders ahead of the 2023 season in which he guided the club on a remarkable play-off run from a sixth placed finish to the final where they were narrowly beaten by Doncaster.
Following the disappointment of missing out on a play-off finish by a point in 2024, 2025 saw Forster lead his Crusaders side to the Betfred League One title, winning an impressive 14 out of 18 games.
A statement from the EggChaser group reads:
On the back of a stella 2025 season we are delighted to see interest in the Crusaders team both on and off the pitch reach new levels.
Our Head Coach, Carl Forster, has an amazing opportunity to pursue a full-time role in Super League, for which, given it fulfils his ambition within the sport, we cannot stand in his way.
It is therefore with a warm heart that we must make the progressive decision to enable Carl Forster to be released from his Head Coach contract, which was due to run for another full season of 2026.
The North Wales Crusaders can only thank Carl for his efforts over the last 3 seasons; he has developed a winning culture within the squad and amassed a brilliant side.
We are pleased that Carl, with the support of the board and the broader coaching staff, has been able to realise the success he has this season, which has undoubtedly stood out within rugby league.
We believe that North Wales represents a hotbed of nurturing talent, and we are now deep in our research process for next season and building our own plans towards the highest level in rugby league.
Carl Forster added: “I’d like to thank everyone at North Wales Crusaders for the last three years.
“It’s been a privilege to be your coach. The route to the play-off final in 2023 and getting our hands on the title this year will stay with me forever.
“To the fans, thank you for sticking with myself and the team throughout the tough times to see the good times.
“Winning the league is everything you guys deserved.
“The players and staff, the current group is the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of sharing a changing room with.
“I can’t thank you enough for the efforts and commitments you’ve given to myself and the club.
“I will always be a Crusaders fan and will no doubt catch up with everyone soon.
“Thank you for having me.”
The club’s owner, Arun Watkins said, “A little less than 10 months ago, the club was predicted to finish 3rd from bottom across the entire RFL elite system and was possibly moments away from going out of business.
“Fast forward to now, we are league champions, building solid crowds, our fanbase has skyrocketed and our Head Coach has been asked to step up to a team who last year were two divisions above us.
“That is possibly one of the highest compliments to get. It is with a heavy heart that we must congratulate Carl and wish him all the best for the future.
“At the same time, we will stay focussed to our vision of the club itself reaching Super League and will take this into our recruitment and current conversations allowing us to make the right appointment of the person to take us forward.”
Whilst we are reviewing things internally, the club is also open to discussions with interested potential Head Coach’s who we will then get behind fully for the next seasons push.