Hornets Sign Welsh Duo

Hornets are delighted to welcome Kyle Huish and Calvin Wellington to the club!

Rochdale Hornets are delighted to announce the Welsh double signing of Kyle Huish and Calvin Wellington. Both were selected as part of John Kear's initial 30-man squad for their match against France last summer.

Kyle & Calvin will be looking to make their Hornets debut's at the Crown Oil Arena in the coming weeks.

Kyle Huish, 20, originally from Caerphilly, joins having been released by Wigan last season following an ACL Injury. He spoke on his recovery and what it meant to sign for Rochdale.

"Having been out of the game for 14 months with an ACL injury has been tough. I originally came to Hornets the back end of last season to have a look around whilst I was awaiting my scan results. The feel and professionalism around the club took me aback. Since then, the support I’ve received from Andy Mazey and Jason Seddon has been second to none. When I received the call from Jason to say that Rochdale were still interested in me I was over the moon. I have been in the the last couple of months now and the lads and coaching staff have welcomed me with open arms. As it stands, things are going great with the rehab. I’m on the final stage with regards to that and Hayley is doing everything she can to get me back out there for the last few games of this season.  I owe one to Andy, Gary and Jason for their constant support and getting me back involved with the game. I will be putting my best foot forward to be in contention for the last few games and hopefully get an opportunity to rip in."

Calvin Wellington, 27, originally from Port Talbot, joins having returned north following a short period back in Wales. He spoke on his return to the game and the opportunity to play for Hornets.

"Having taken some time away from the sport, I was going to knock rugby on the head, but with time to reflect and a realisation how much I love and miss the sport, I'm eager to return. I had a good chat with Gary and Andy about the future prospects of the club and how I can fit in, and I am really excited to join. Rochdale is a fantastic opportunity for me to play at a good level and hopefully give me the opportunity to one day play for Wales at international level. Im looking forward to working hard, building fitness and being ready for the call up. Proud to be part of a young squad, taking on a mature position to help embed a quality club culture. I've seen how amazing the supporters were when I played at Oldham, and i am looking forward to meeting the fans in person."

Head Coach, Gary Thornton commented on the two new signings.

"Kyle has been rehabbing his injury with us all season, and I’ve been so impressed by his attitude, commitment and desire to get himself fit before the season ends. It can be a lonely place training on your own, but he has stayed positive and upbeat throughout. He’s a model professional and has worked really hard with our physio Hayley on his rehab programs to get him in a position where he will be up for selection within the next couple of weeks."

"I’m also delighted to have Calvin on board for the remainder of the season. He’s a proven centre at this level and will add much needed experience and quality to our young squad. He’s been out of the game for much of this season and is working hard on his fitness to get up to speed as quickly as possible. He will give us some attacking options out wide and give us a new dimension to our game plans."

"Both these signings give us a boost going into the back end of the season and hopefully a push for the playoffs."

Chairman, Andy Mazey added.

"Kyle was introduced to Gary and I last year by Jason Seddon, now a club Director, after leaving Wigan Warriors. He has been in and around the club ever since, we have supported his recovery from injury and he is now back in full training and approaching his targeted return to play date. He’s a real talented lad who was highly thought of at Wigan and was also called up by John Kear for the Welsh National team before his injury. Kyle is a good person and a dedicated professional which fits our new environment really well and I know he will be hoping to get some game time under his belt this year with a view to a full pre season and a big 2024"

"Gary and I met Calvin recently and it was very clear he is highly motivated to return to the game after a short break and he just wants to get back playing and enjoying his rugby again. He will bring some experience, size and undoubted quality to Gary's outside back options for the remainder of the season with a view to earning a contract with us for 2024"

Hornets return to action on Sunday 23rd July against London Skolars at the Crown Oil Arena. Tickets on sale now https://www.hornetsrugbyleague...