Rams’ survival lifeline

There remains confusion as to what will happen to Welsh outfit Crusaders next season but The Reporter has also learned Barrow Raiders, who finished above Dewsbury, have not had their participation in next season’s competition confirmed.

With Toulouse, who finished bottom, set to re-join the French Elite League and Crusaders struggling to meet criteria to play in the Championship, it could hand the Rams a reprieve.

Rugby Football League media manager John Ledger said: “We can confirm that investigations are ongoing over alleged salary cap irregularities surrounding Barrow Raiders.

“All clubs, including Dewsbury and York, are aware of the situation.”

Dewsbury supporters thought their side were relegated after last Thursday’s 40-24 defeat against Leigh Centurions.

However chairman Mark Sawyer confirmed: “Our demotion has not been confirmed by the Rugby Football League, who have informed us of this potential lifeline and that has been good of them.

“We now must wait to see what happens but neither ourselves or York have been demoted just yet.”

RFL chief executive Nigel Wood added: “Uncertainty surrounding the future of displaced Super League club Crusaders has led to the delay in the make-up of the Championships for next season.

“There is understandably some frustration among supporters about membership of the Championship and Championship One in 2012 and I can assure them that the RFL is working in tandem with all the clubs to resolve the issues.”

Dewsbury are understood to have already begun talking to players for next season but what budget coach Warren Jowitt has will depend on which division they are in.

Mr Sawyer added that details of the next fans’ forum and season ticket prices will be confirmed shortly, adding: “I can assure supporters that we will be offering the best deal we can but we are unable to finalise details until we know which division we will be in and how many games we will play.”

The Dewsbury Rams pesentation evening will be staged tonight (Friday) in the Royal Suite at Tetley’s Stadium from 8pm.

Both the supporters and club awards will be handed out to the first team and reserves. Admission is free and doors open at 7.30pm.