In disappointing news today, League 1 club Cornwall RLFC announced it will be withdrawing from the competition immediately, citing financial issues relating to a lack of investment. Even going so far as to blame uncertainties in the United States for said lack of investment.

It is a blow to the sport’s third tier, which was in the process of expanding to twelve teams over the next two years, it will now continue this year with just ten teams. The Choughs were due to play the North Wales Crusaders this weekend, this match will no longer go ahead. No update on how Cornwall’s withdrawal will affect the points totals of their fellow League 1 team has yet been forthcoming.

The news comes as a shock to many, as the club had shown no obvious signs of financial peril in recent weeks and months, indeed, they were only just bought by Kenny Stone in November, who had promised a bright future for the Cornish outfit.

Cornwall RLFC were first introduced into the British rugby league system in 2021, taking the place of the proposed Ottawa club, which had fallen through in light of the pandemic. They were founded by former Toronto Wolfpack chief Eric Perez, who had held Ottawa’s license, until the clubs sale in November of last year. The club’s final match was a 78-6 defeat at home against Whitehaven RLFC this past weekend.

Cornwall RLFC Statement in Full:

Cornwall RLFC can provide the following update to its stakeholders, supporters and the wider rugby league community regarding the club’s future. 

Regrettably, the club will be withdrawing from Betfred League 1 with immediate effect, with the recent match against Whitehaven its last. The scheduled fixture away to North Wales Crusaders on Sunday will not take place, nor will the club fulfill its remaining 2025 fixtures. 

The club’s current ownership group, who gained control of Cornwall RLFC back in November, immediately sought further investment to try and stabilise the club and to grow the game of rugby league in the Duchy, through a professional club. 

Significant progress was made with potential overseas investors to achieve this although sadly, due the current uncertainties in the United States of America, this has not been possible. 

The club have subsequently explored other avenues to secure required funding, but these have been extensively exhausted, leaving Cornwall RLFC with no option other than to withdraw immediately. 

Cornwall RLFC would like to place on record its thanks to the club’s players, coaching staff, officials, sponsors and fans for their unwavering support over the past four years. 

The club will be making no further comment on this matter. 

Written by Nathan Major-Kershaw (Site editor & Hull KR fan)

Source: https://cornwallrlfc.co.uk/news/club-statement/