Eleanor Milne joins Hornets Women for 2026

Rochdale Hornets Women have announced the signing of Eleanor Milne for the 2026 season.

The 37-year-old has made the decision to re-sign for the club following a period away from the game.

She said: “I returned to training in mid-December after over a decade away from the game. After stepping away to have my daughter and go to university, coming back now feels like the right time. 

"A big thank you to Rob Rigby [assistant coach], Sam Brazier and Claire Collins for getting me back involved! The Hornets is built on community, inclusion and ambition, and I can’t wait to be part of what Ben Bird, Rob and the club are building. 

"From winger to forward, I’ve finally found my strength, running hard and straight. I'm more than ready to pull on the Hornets shirt.”

Rochdale Hornets Women head coach Ben Bird said: “Eleanor comes to us through a growing relationship with the Rochdale RU ladies team. Eleanor is a strong, confident woman who I can see through observing her amongst the squad is a natural leader. 

"Already a few sessions into pre-season, I've witnessed she is a very strong ball-carrier, an aggressive defender, and importantly is focused on improving. 

"She's fitted into the group dynamic seamlessly, so I'm excited to see what she brings to the 2026 campaign.”