Captain Duane Straugheir announces retirement

Rochdale Hornets captain Duane Straugheir has confirmed his intention to retire at the end of the 2025 season.

The experienced second-rower has spent the last three seasons with the club, making just short of 50 appearances in Hornets colours.

He arrived at the Crown Oil Arena from Hunslet, where he had previously enjoyed a number of successful campaigns playing under current Hornets head coach Gary Thornton. 

A model professional on and off the pitch, Straugheir led the club to the Betfred League 1 play-offs last season.

He scored five tries in 16 appearances for the club in 2025 before seeing his campaign cut short by a serious achilles tendon injury back in June. 

Overall, Straugheir has made 284 appearances for various clubs, during a career which began back in 2010 at Featherstone Rovers.

We are immensely proud to have called Straff our captain over recent seasons, and both he and his family are always welcome back at the Crown Oil Arena. 

“Rugby league has been a massive part of my life ever since I can remember,” he said. 

“Since picking up a ball at the age of six I’ve been hooked on the game, so to sit back and reflect on 16 seasons as a professional is something I could have never imagined.

“I’ve made some amazing memories. Every club I’ve played for has left a mark on me and been a massive part of my life.  

“There’s no better feeling than leading the lads out and going to war, but unfortunately all good things come to an end. 

“I’ve thought long and hard about what to do, and at 35 years of age, I think now’s the time to hang up my boots and move on to the next chapter of my life.” 

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “It’s always sad when the curtain falls on your playing career, but even more so when it’s forced upon you.

I feel for Straff that he has had to retire due to the achilles injury, because if anyone deserves to retire on their own terms it’s him.

“He has had a terrific career and been well respected and admired wherever he has played.

“A natural leader and role model, he has been an outstanding captain for me, on and off the field, and given great service to the Hornets.

“Not only a great captain, but a great player, and an even better bloke who I will miss massively on a personal and professional level.

“It’s rare that a player-coach relationship turns into a friendship, but I can say I have made a mate for life in Straff.

“I’ve got to know his family too, and I wish him, Gemma, the kids and his mum and dad a happy future.”

Chairman Andy Mazey said: "One of the highlights of recent years for me has been getting to know Straff the person, having admired Straff the player from afar.
 
"GT always spoke very highly of him and made it clear he would be the perfect fit for us. 

"I can honestly say he has proven to be everything and more than I was expecting. A tough uncompromising captain and leader, and a model professional who really bought into everything we have tried to do as a club.
 
"He has now brought the curtain down on an incredible playing career, of which he and his family can rightly be proud. 

"Straff is an example to any young rugby player on how to play the game with the balance of skill, physicality and respect.
 
"All the best for the future, skipper."