Hornets agree Dual Registration with Leigh Leopards

It is with great pleasure that Rochdale Hornets can today announce confirmation of a Dual Registration with Leigh Leopards, of the Betfred Super League.

Following on from our announcement yesterday with our Dual Registration partnership being terminated by mutual consent with Widnes, we are delighted to confirm that Rochdale Hornets can today announce confirmation of a Dual Registration with Leigh Leopards, of the Betfred Super League.

The arrangement, which was introduced to the sport in 2013, will see all Leigh Leopards' players registered with Hornets making them eligible to play and train for either side.

This means that Gary Thornton will have the luxury of including up to four of Adrian Lam's players in each of his matchday squads, if required.

Having played in the Super League this season following promotion last year, the Leopards have produced their fair share of on-field brilliance, resulting in them currently sitting in 4th Place in Super League, just two points off the summit. Also, currently with eyes on Wembley with a Quarter-Final spot in the Challenge Cup. As a result, chairman Andy Mazey is excited to have negotiated such access to the Leopards’ playing group.

He said: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Leigh Leopards. It’s a fabulous opportunity for our club to work closely with a progressive Super League club and to enable quality full time athletes to get much needed game time. In turn Gary is able to strengthen our playing options as we enter the second half of our BetFred League One campaign."

“I would like to go on record in thanking Chris Chester, Derek Beaumont and Adrian Lam for their support and for facilitating this agreement which comes as a timely boost for our club."

Leigh Leopards, Head of Rugby, Chris Chester commented; "We're delighted to be entering this partnership with Rochdale Hornets, it's a partnership that will be beneficial for both parties moving forward. Rochdale will have the benefit of having full time Super League players within the squad on a regular basis. For our players that require much needed game time will have the opportunity to do so with Hornets".

"I would also like to thank Andy Mazey and the Rochdale club for supporting the partnership in continuation of our already well-established relationship. We hope that the partnership will continue to grow over the coming months to the end of the season and beyond."