Club statement: Ben Metcalfe

Rochdale Hornets can confirm that forward Ben Metcalfe is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines after suffering a serious accident at work.

A cladding installer by trade, the accident led to him being hospitalised in Coventry for a number of days, before he was allowed to return home. 

The accident also resulted in a serious arm injury which will see him miss the remainder of the season and beyond. 

Metcalfe returned to the club for a second spell ahead of the 2026 season, having first joined back in 2022 from Rochdale Mayfield. 

He has featured 14 times for the club in 2026, scoring once. 

The club is committed to supporting Ben throughout his recovery, and look forward to welcoming him back onto the field when he is able.