Board Statement in response to RAFC

Board Statement in response to RAFC.

We are disappointed that RAFC have chosen to publish details of the 2016 lease which exists between the two parties. Such commercial terms should have remained a matter for respective boards. Several disputes have arisen which started with a meeting in early 2022, when members of the RAFC board informed Rochdale Hornets we did not have a valid lease. New heads of terms where subsequently presented to Rochdale Hornets following the meeting, which would impact Rochdale Hornets and significantly increase the cost of operating from the stadium. Rochdale Hornets sought legal advice in relation to this matter and other disputes that have since developed. It has been confirmed that the 2016 lease is valid, a position that RAFC now accept.  Both parties remain in dialogue over the remaining disputes which we are attempting to reconcile. This includes, ground use, change of our office space and loss of our retail facility amongst others. 

England VS Fiji Fixture. 

In 2021 Rochdale Hornets sought the permission to host an England International at the Crown Oil Arena in partnership with RAFC. Due to the excellent working relationship an agreement was soon reached reinforced by the lease. Schedule 3, 2.2.2 states the tenant may occupy the premises at such other time or times as the Landlord shall in its absolute discretion permit but to limit including a maximum of three friendly games.’ Rochdale Hornets were given permission to stage the event with the support of the former RAFC board and executives.

Rochdale Hornets set about organising an International fixture working collaboratively with RAFC Senior Management, one of which was assigned to the event management group by the RAFC board. Several meetings took place and commitments were made with the full knowledge and support of RAFC. There was no requirement from the landlord to enter into separate commercial terms for this event in 2021.

We are all aware the Pandemic caused much disruption to the sporting calendar and the subsequent International game was rescheduled for 2022, using the same agreed terms. However, following a change of the RAFC board and management, Rochdale Hornets were asked to present the terms of the agreement. We spoke at length as to how that agreement was made and sent a summary document informing the new RAFC board of the previous arrangement’s, which were made in good faith, and in line with the lease clause detailed above. RAFC requested that a separate formal commercial agreement would now be required. Our lawyers wrote to RAFC requesting the original terms and arrangements be honoured with the importance of such an event to the town and community being self-explanatory, however there was no appetite to do so by RAFC. RAFC disputed that the lease clause above can be interpreted in such a way and proposed new heads of terms for the event to take place in 2022. After multiple attempts of remedy, Rochdale Hornets withdrew from its position, clarifying with RAFC that we could not accept the new proposal as it would render the event commercial unviable. Due to other complexities and commitments made, we moved quickly to hand the event back to the RFL and will support the event now being staged at Salford’s, AJ Bell.

It is with regret and great sadness that RAFC did not wish to honour the original agreements or indeed accept counter proposals to reach an agreement to stage the event in Rochdale. 

For the many that supported the game and bought tickets, transfer of tickets is permitted, and refunds are also available on request, details of which are on the clubs website. We encourage all fans to transfer tickets and support England verses Fiji. All ticket revenue transferred will directly benefit Rochdale Hornets and be used to host Fiji. 

The club will make no further comment with regard the ongoing lease disputes and will continue to attempt a negotiated remedy privately and professionally.