Former Fijian International Michael Ratu to join Hornets

Michael Ratu Junior with Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn and original Fijian pioneer Michael Ratu Senior

Rochdale Hornets have pulled off a significant coup in the signing of former Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR and Fijian International centre Michael Ratu.

Michael shares the same name as his Grandfather who was one of the original Fijian pioneers who signed for Hornets in the 1960s.

The link up with St Helens and having local coach Matt Calland involved at Hornets proved to be a big attraction to Ratu, along with the chance to put himself in the shop window for the Fijian team for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup.

Michael Ratu said: "Its a fantastic opportunity for me to represent my home town and its a great to sign for the same team as my Grandad and Uncle".

Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn said: "We are delighted to have secured Michaels signature. This makes three generations of the Ratu family have put pen to paper at Hornets over the years, and given the Fiji V Ireland game is to be staged in Rochdale next year it seems to be a perfect fit for Hornets the club and the town of Rochdale."

Michael is relishing the challenge, and looking forward to getting back into training.

Matt Calland, Hornets Head of Youth Development said: "This is Michaels chance to fulfil his undoubted potential, not only at Championship level but he has the ability to compete at Super League level.

"Michael has a superb pedigree having gone through the Wigan Warriors Academy system before joining Leeds Rhinos. He also has represented England at Junior level as well as captaining Fiji in the Oceania Cup."

Hornets Director Barry Shaw added: "We are really assembling a top notch squad, one which we believe will really be pushing for honours. We hope Hornets fans and the people of Rochdale get down to Spotland to see the revolution that is taking place."