Reardon returns to Crusaders

Stuart Reardon will create a piece of history in 2013 when he becomes the first player to appear in the first team for both North Wales Crusaders and the old Crusaders Super League club, after the former Great Britain international signed a deal to play for the Wrexham-based Championship 1 side for next season.

Reardon’s signing comes just a week after the experienced Gary Middlehurst put pen to paper for North Wales Crusaders, showing their big promotion ambitions

The 30-year old has just spent the last season with French club AS Carcassonne following his year with the old Crusaders where he was a big hit scoring 11 tries in 26 appearances, second in the try-scoring charts only to Jarrod Sammut, and was a fan favourite.

Reardon, who plays primarily on the wing, was a product of the Bradford academy, rising through the ranks before signing with Salford in 2002.

His impressive form earned him a call up to the England squad, as well as a move back to Odsal in 2003. In a three-season spell with the Bulls, he won two Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup Final and as well winning the Harry Sutherland award for Man-of-Match during the 2003 Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors.

The following year he broke into the Great Britain squad for the Tri-Nations series, and scored four tries in the tournament. Reardon has also enjoyed spells with Warrington and Hull FC.

On returning to the Racecourse Reardon said “I’m really exciting about coming back to North Wales. I had a fantastic time when I was here previously and can’t wait to get back out on the pitch and in front of the fans. When I spoke with Jamie (CEO) and Clive about the possibility of coming back, it just felt like the right fit. I had offers from some top Championship clubs, but this just ticks all the boxes for what I want to achieve right now.”

North Wales Crusaders coach Clive Griffiths said:  “This is a massive coup for us. Obviously to get someone of Stuart’s quality is a huge boost for the club, and getting the benefit of his experience will rub off on the younger lads. There are not many Championship One clubs who will be able to boast a Grand Final Winner and GB International in their ranks!”