Last updated 11:31, Tuesday, 22 July 2008

Super League is heading to Wales. Celtic Crusaders, beaten twice by Whitehaven this season, were today awarded a three-year Super League licence.

The Bridgend-based outfit will step up in to the top-flight next term, along with Salford. But there was disappointment for Widnes in this morning’s announcement from the RFL.

The Vikings, who made way for the launch of Catalans Dragons into Super League in 2006, missed out.

Steve McCormack’s team went into administration last September only to be rescued by local businessman Steve O’Connor.

Salford, relegated last year but currently setting the pace in NL1, plan a move to a £35 million stadium next to the M60 motorway.

Crusaders chief executive David Thompson said: “We are absolutely delighted.

“What we have achieved over two-and-a-half years is incredible, but we know all we have done is get to the starting line.

“We have got a lot of work to do over the next three years to make sure we continue to grow and become stronger.”

The current 12 Super League clubs were each awarded licences. Leigh, Featherstone, Halifax and French outfit Toulouse all missed out. They can reapply in 2011.

The full list is Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Catalan Dragons, Celtic Crusaders, Harlequins, Huddersfield Giants, Hull FC, Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos, Salford, St Helens Wakefield, Warrington and Wigan.