Hornets announce the signing of Connor Ratcliffe.

Rochdale Hornets are excited to announce the signing of second rower Connor Ratcliffe for 2023.

Ratcliffe, who has impressed Hornets through his work at amateur level, joins the club having previously played for Leigh Miners.

The 26-year-old defender, says he made the decision to sign for Rochdale based on the big ambitions the club have.

Ratcliffe said: “It’s a great opportunity for me to come and test myself in League 1. 

“I’m keen to get started and work hard to become a regular in the team, with a good bunch of lads to do it with."

Ratcliffe is the latest addition to a new-look Rochdale side for 2023, with head coach Gary Thornton having added a host of new players ahead of the new season. 

On the signing of Ratcliffe, Thornton said: “Connor has had a terrific career at amateur level and has been identified by our scouting team as one who is capable of stepping up and making us a stronger squad.

“He’s a tough defender and runs good lines in the back row, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a competitive game.

“He is chomping at the bit and I’m sure he will grab this opportunity with both hands.”

Ratcliffe joins a mix of experience and youth in a side that hopes to achieve big things in 2023. Hornets Chairman Andy Mazey has also expressed his delight in the signing of Ratcliffe.

Mazey said: “Having had a good look at the squad during pre-season, so far Gary [Thornton] has been keen to add to his back row options.

“Connor is a player who ticks boxes and having won and done pretty much everything there is to do at the highest level of the community game at Leigh Miners, he is still only 26 and now is the perfect time for him to test himself.

“He’s a player whose worked with Jason Seddon our director of development, and I’ve seen a lot of him. He is a tough competitor who has all the credentials to do what others from Leigh Miners have done in recent years.

“We are hoping he can step up, welcome to Hornets Connor.”

To sponsor Connor in 2023, contact Steve.kerr@hornetsrugbyleague.com

Season passes for 2023 are now on sale here!

Squad announced so far: Nixon, Killan, Purcell, Connolly, Swarbrick, Boardman, Berry, O’Hanlon, Roden, Straugheir, Aspey, Tyrer, Hewitt, Braham, Cooke, Blackwood, Else, Brewin, Donnelly, Harrison, Clarke, Haynes, O’Keefe, Arnold & Brannan, Porter, Green, Badham, Bowman and Ratcliffe.

Image courtesy of Leigh Miners Rugby League Club.