Coach John Dixon extends Crusaders contract
Issued on behalf of Celtic Crusaders Rugby League Club
CELTIC Crusaders’ Head Coach John Dixon has signed a new contract that will keep him at Wales’ leading rugby league club for a further two years.
Dixon formerly spent 10 years as assistant coach at top Australian NRL club Brisbane Broncos, whom he helped to several major honours including national and world titles. He was also in charge of the Broncos’ feeder club Toowoomba Clydesdales and coached Queensland Students who toured the UK in 2001, beating the Welsh Students at Treorchy.
Crusaders chief executive David Thompson said: “This is great news for the Crusaders. John has tremendous experience in coaching rugby league at the very highest level and has been a key figure in our development so far. It’s also shows he has total confidence in what we are doing at the club.”
Bridgend-based Crusaders are currently chasing promotion from the Co-operative National League Two and Dixon’s new contract will keep him at the Brewery Field until the end of 2009, by which time the ambitious club could have played their first season in the Super League.
“I came here to help the Crusaders bring Super League rugby to South Wales and that’s what I’m aiming to achieve,” said Dixon.
“With such a rich rugby union heritage in South Wales, the potential of rugby league as a summer sport for rugby fans is enormous.”
The Crusaders are currently placed third in NL2 and Dixon’s new contract will provide a great boost as the club prepares for two crucial away fixtures.
The first is against league leaders Featherstone Rovers at 7.35pm on Thursday (July 26) and can be seen live on Sky Sports 2.
Then on Sunday August 5, the Crusaders visit Barrow Raiders who currently lie just two-points ahead of them in second place, though the Crusaders have a game in hand. The kick-off is at 3pm.
Coaches are available to take fans from South Wales to each game.
