Historic milestone: Rochdale Hornets unveils new women’s team

The relaunched team will be based at the club’s new Balderstone Park community hub, also known as ’The Hive’, where they will train and play.

Rochdale Hornets has announced the relaunch of its women’s rugby league team, and applied for the new team to join the WRLA Northern League Two for the 2025 season.

Formerly operating under the banner of the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation, the team was founded in 2014.

Rochdale Hornets general manager Matt Rigby said: “The relaunch of the women’s team is a proud moment for our club.

“After a few previous attempts, the club have now developed a robust plan and set about a project to improve the culture, environment and performance of our women’s side.

“The new team will operate under a modernised club model and will be structured in all aspects of its operation to take advantage of the resources of the wider organisation.

“With a focus on enhanced kit packages, medical treatment and improved media profiling, the transition under the club’s umbrella will give the women’s team the spotlight it deserves, and we’re excited to integrate our women’s team more deeply into the fabric of the club.

“This initiative will not only strengthen our community but also inspire the next generation of female athletes within the borough.”

The relaunched team will be based at the club’s new Balderstone Park community hub, also known as ’The Hive’, where they will train and play.

The new facility has been described as a “unique blueprint” in rugby league.

Officially opening in July 2024, the facility includes two purpose-built RFL specification grass pitches, changing rooms and match officials’ rooms, a cafe and community room which are fully disability compliant.
 

Read more: Rochdale Hornets launches new community hub with free eventsPublished: 18 July 2024

Applications are now open for the position of head coach of the ladies team, with the deadline for submissions being Sunday 10 November.  Find out more here.