Rodney Parade will host Crusaders' game with Leeds Rhinos in August

Celtic Crusaders have announced that they will play one of their 'home' Super League games in Newport, rather than at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.

Leeds Rhinos will be the opponents at Rodney Parade - more usually the home of union side Newport Gwent Dragons - on Saturday, 22 August (1800 BST).

Celtic Crusaders chief executive Mike Turner said: "We are a team for Wales, not just for one area of Wales.

"So we hope that this match will be the first of many to be taken on the road."

The Crusaders gained their first win in Super League, at the 12th attempt, at Bradford Bulls a fortnight ago.

Although a home defeat by Catalans Dragons followed in Bridgend, the Crusaders are now up and running in the top flight and hope to build their fan base.

We are looking forward to working closely with the Crusaders Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins

"It was always part of our Super League application that we take games on the road, so we are delighted to take the Leeds Rhinos game to Newport," Turner added.

"A large percentage of our fans come from the Newport or Gwent area, so we're pleased that they can now see a Crusaders game on their own doorstep.

"Plus we have held reserves and youth games in the Gwent valleys in the past, while a large number of the young players on our books come from Newport and the surrounding areas.

"However, this is the only home match this year that we will be taking away from the Brewery Field."

Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins said the Welsh regional side are looking forward to hosting their cousins from the 13-man code.

"We are very pleased to have reached agreement to host this match on behalf of the Celtic Crusaders," Jenkins said.

"Rodney Parade has a proud history of hosting sporting events and matches and we are looking forward to adding Super League to that history.

"We are looking forward to working closely with the Crusaders in organising this fixture and to welcoming the players and supporters from both teams to the Parade."

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