9 Apr 2019

Hornets Women To Make History This Sunday

Women to play first game!

Rochdale Hornets will enter a new era of their history this coming weekend as, for the first time ever, their Women’s team will take to the field in League 1.

Rochdale Hornets Women will take on Hull Kingston Rovers at 2 pm on Sunday, 14th April at the KC Lightstream Stadium in Hull.

Hornets relaunched their women's team earlier this year. After their launch back in January, the women have slowly been building up their squad in order to join the RFL Womens’ Rugby League 1 Divison.

Hornets Women will be led by Sophie Cox as Director of Rugby. Sophie is an elite athlete in her own right, having represented Great Britain at Judo at the Olympic Games and medalled at European level in her sport. She is also a high-level coach and mentor and was the first ever female to play Rugby League at Wembley when she represented Rochdale Schools in 1993.

Alongside Sophie is the team’s Head Coach, former Rochdale Mayfield loose forward David Chrimes. He is delighted that the has grown sufficiently enough to be able to take to the pitch for the first time in what will be a historic game for Rochdale Hornets.

“The team have been training hard, twice a week since January at Oulder Hill Leisure Complex and Rochdale Mayfield in order to prepare for this big day,” said David. “They are keen to play their first match and put all their skills into practice.”  

Rochdale Hornets Women will play in League One in a 14 round summer league format against Wigan St Pats, Whitley Bay, Barbarians, West Leeds, Keighley Albion, Halifax and Cutsyke.

Rochdale Hornets Foundation chairman Niel Wood said: “Our ambition is to create a team that the rugby players and athletes of the area can get involved with and grow into something really successful and develop a long-term pathway for female players.  We wish the women the best of luck this weekend”

“We are treating this as a third major team under the banner of Rochdale Hornets, joining the men’s and wheelchair teams."

Rochdale Hornets Women are always on the lookout for players and backroom staff so interested parties are welcome to attend the match and meet the team. Those who cannot make the game are welcome to join us at a training session on Monday and Thursday evenings at Rochdale Mayfield Sports Centre. Expressions of interest can be sent to us via email at foundation@hornetsrugbyleague.com.





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