Hornets and Hopwood Hall College team up

New partnership between Rochdale Hornets and Hopwood Hall College

Rochdale Hornets and Hopwood Hall College have teamed up to work together on a variety of projects.

The partnership will see Hornets take advantage of the facilities at the Middleton Campus and the Hopwood Hall Rugby Academy will be known as the ‘Hopwood Hall Hornets’ in a move that sees the identity of Rochdale Hornets’ Tier Three Rugby Academy become more prominent.

The partnership will also include coaching support from The Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, Rochdale Hornets branded kit and a closer working relationship between the Hornets coaching staff and Hopwood Hornets Rugby Academy Head Coach, Matt Calland.

Rochdale Hornets had two players in last year’s Grand Final squad who came through the Hopwood Hall Rugby Academy,n Dave Cookson and Jack Francis; 2017 signing, Miles Greenwood, also came through the system. Greenwood will take on a player/coach role with the club in 2017 focusing on the strength and conditioning of the playing group.

Rochdale Hornets head coach Alan Kilshaw said: “I’m delighted that the club and the college could formalise a partnership which all parties agree on the benefits. We want to create a pathway for local players, volunteers, officials and coaching students.”

Kilshaw, who is also the Head of Community Partnerships at the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, said it is exciting times ahead for both the club and the college who have enjoyed recent success. He added: “Hopwood Hall Rugby Academy is renowned throughout the country as the top rugby league side and have had consistent success under Matt’s guidance. We are more than happy to help continue that success in any way we can.

"Having access to the training facilities is a massive boost for us and further demonstrates our aim to develop the club and the players off the field and remain prominent in the local area.”

Terry Morley, Centre Director for Sport and Public Services at Hopwood Hall, said: “This partnership is a fantastic opportunity to promote rugby league at all levels within the borough of Rochdale. To be able to give the Rugby Academy students at the college the chance to work with Miles Greenwood, an ex-student who has made his mark in professional rugby league and recently joined Rochdale Hornets, is fantastic.

“Both Rochdale Hornets and Hopwood Hall Rugby Academy had an outstanding year last year and this partnership will allow this to go from strength-to-strength and promote sport within the town.”