Rochdale to launch their first women’s team

Rochdale Hornets are to add a Women’s Rugby League team to their current men’s and wheelchair teams.

The director of rugby for the side will be Olympic judo athlete Sophie Cox, with former Rochdale Mayfield loose forward David Chrimes as head coach and Hornets’ community Kirsty Crehan as assistant coach and team manager.

The Hornets Foundation Chairman, Niel Wood, said: “We are treating this as a third major team under the banner of Rochdale Hornets.

“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.”

An open training session will be held at The Soccer Factory, Royle Barn Road, Castleton, Rochdale, OL11 3DT. The full plans for the team will be outlined at the session, which takes place on Sunday, January 27 at 10am followed by the first coaching session, finishing at 12pm.

There are still appointments to be made for backroom staff and anyone interested is welcome to attend the session and meet the team.