THERE have been far more downs than ups for the Crusaders this season.

But, unfortunately, the biggest ‘up’ of their Super League XVI campaign has been at the expense of the Giants!

When in-form Huddersfield visited the Wrexham-based side on Good Friday, it was a top v bottom clash, with the Crusaders given hardly any chance whatsoever of causing a major upset.

Yet at the end of an almost unbelievable 80 minutes, the Welshmen were savouring a thoroughly-deserved 32-8 triumph to leave the Giants shell-shocked.

It was a clear sign of the undoubted talent the Crusaders obviously possess.

But the glimpses have been far too infrequent, and apart from that victory over the Giants, they have savoured success on just three other occasions.

As a result, they are four points adrift of second-bottom Wakefield with just four League points to their name.

That’s because of the club going into administration at the end of last season.

As a result, this year probably couldn’t end soon enough for the Crusaders, who will be hoping to build for a brighter future when they are handed a Super League licence later this month.

GARETH THOMAS is one of the most famous players in world rugby.

Having shot to fame as a star winger for Wales and the British Lions in the 15-a-side code, the 36-year-old holds the record for the most international caps for his country, having made 100 appearances.

But his profile became even greater when he publicly announced five years ago he was gay.