Warrington announce Rochdale partnership
Warrington Wolves have confirmed a new partnership arrangement with League 1 side Rochdale Hornets.
The two clubs will work together at every level from development teams to first team.
The Hornets will also gain access to Warrington’s training facilities at the University of Chester, as well as the Wolves’ medical and performance departments.
All of Warrington’s players will be dual registered with Rochdale. The Hornets’ players will also be available for selection for the Wolves’ reserve grade team.
Karl Fitzpatrick, Wolves’ head of rugby operations, has thanked North Wales Crusaders for their partnership with the Wolves in 2015, and is now looking forward to working with Rochdale.
“Firstly on behalf of the club I’d like to thank North Wales Crusaders for their support in 2015; it was a pleasure to work with them,” he said.
“We are now looking forward to building a strong partnership with Rochdale as a means of increasing opportunities for players at all levels while providing the Hornets with access to a full-time environment to learn from.
“We are continually looking to invest in the development of players within our game and this partnership is another example of clubs working together to achieve this.”
Ryan Bradley, Hornets’ chief executive, is also looking forward to working with Wire, after being in partnership with St Helens in recent times.
“We are looking forward to working with Warrington Wolves over the next two years and the fresh approach it will bring at all levels,” he said.
“We can provide a great environment and a culture in which Warrington are comfortable working with and, in return, we get access to first-class facilities and expertise off the field.
“We will also be bringing training back to the borough in part for next season as we build towards a strong, sustainable future for Rochdale Hornets.
“We have enjoyed a successful three years with St Helens – a partnership that delivered our first trophy in 91 years and saw Saints win the Grand Final with a team featuring numerous dual registration players – and we are really thankful for everything.
“However, the return of reserve grade football has changed priorities for both sides. We were keen to continue a strong partnership agreement with a Super League club and Warrington Wolves are a perfect fit.”
Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw, who has strong links with Warrington, is also pleased about the arrangement.
“I said since arriving at the club that we would always do what’s best for Rochdale Hornets and I believe linking up with the Warrington Wolves provides that opportunity,” he said.
“It is a partnership in every sense of the word and both clubs will be working closely together to ensure it thrives.”