Crusaders have signed Paul Johnson on a one-year deal - but they've failed in their bid to get a winding-up petition withdrawn.
Welsh club have applied to go into administration
Crusaders have signed former Great Britain international Paul Johnson on a one-year deal.
The 32-year-old moves to the Racecourse Ground after being released by Wakefield Wildcats at the end of the 2010 season.
Johnson, who can play either at centre or in the second row, has also played for Wigan, Bradford and Warrington in the engage Super League.
He becomes the second signing made by new head coach Iestyn Harris this week following the announcement of the capture of his former Bulls team-mate Stuart Reardon on Tuesday.
Real bonus
"I'm delighted that Paul has agreed to join us," said Harris, who has taken over from Brian Noble. "I've played alongside Paul and he always gives 100%.
"He is fit and raring to go and has bought into what we are trying to achieve here in Wrexham. His ability to play in either the backs or forwards is a real bonus for us.
"His record speaks for itself and his commitment and try-scoring ability means he adds real strength to our squad."
Johnson was a Grand Final winner during his time with the Warriors and the Bulls and also helped the Wolves lift the Challenge Cup last year.
He won 12 caps for Great Britain and is one of the few players still going strong from the inaugural season of Super League.
"I'm thrilled to join the Crusaders and work with Iestyn Harris again," he said. "I have been impressed with the club's ambition and what they are trying to achieve here in Wrexham."
Future uncertain
Meanwhile, Crusaders' future is still not certain after their winding-up petition was adjourned for a week rather than withdrawn, as the club had hoped.
The hearing provided the first confirmation that the club have applied to go into administration, with a lawyer for the administrators telling the court that the debts owed to Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs and other creditors had been paid.
However Matthew Smith, counsel for HMRC, refuted that, and the court therefore refused to drop the winding-up petition as requested.
