Nuala & Claire Collins sign for Hornets Women for 2026

Rochdale Hornets Women have announced the signing of Niece & Auntie pair Nuala and Claire Collins for the 2026 season.

Nuala Collins re-signs for Hornets following an outstanding debut season in the sport, and played a pivotal role in our invincible promotion campaign, whilst her auntie, Claire Collins, re-joins Hornets from Super League side Leigh Leopards. Claire started her rugby league career at Hornets in 2020.

Nuala celebrated the news: “I am beyond excited to play for Hornets again for the 25-26 season, especially after the success we had last season. I’m excited to learn more and develop as a league player, and to do it alongside all the amazing women. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch with my Auntie Claire, she always supports me and helps me with everything League. Thank you to Ben, Rob and Matt for all the support and I can’t wait to get my boots back on, and get back on the pitch.”

Claire also commented: “Hornets was the first rugby league team I played for back in 2020-2021 and I’m excited to be returning back after a few years at Bradford & Leigh.”

“The changes in the set up since then have been vast and I enjoyed my time on dual reg last year, so I thought it’s time to return to my hometown club! Being an older or more experienced player I’m looking forward to helping the younger players develop- we have an exciting squad full of talent”

“I especially can’t wait to get back on the pitch with my niece Nuala- I was so proud of her achievements last season and I’m looking forward to watching her grow as a player even more this year.”

Head coach Ben Bird celebrated Nuala's signing: “Nuala came to us last year as a young girl that had never played rugby league but with a really strong background in Union. Defensively Nuala was immediately the most consistent player in the squad. Fearless and with an incredible engine, Nuala chops players down without prejudice for 80 minutes. Playing at 9, Nualas distribution and play selection is improving in every game and session. At barely 18yrs old she's on a steep trajectory, her potential is enormous. Playing alongside her aunt, Claire Collins, who is now with us full time having transferred from Leigh Leopards will only help Nualas growth as a player. Nuala is as a pivotal part of what we're building at Hornets and I'm excited to see what she capable of this year.”

Ben also welcomed the return of Claire on a permanent basis: “Starting off her career at Hornets and progressing to Super League with Leigh Leopards from where she dual-reg'd with us last year, Claire is another example of the model we aim to follow, the development of talent and the celebration of an individual's success. The influence Claire is able to have on a game of rugby league was evidenced last year. She is a role model to lots of women and girls around the local game. She can play anywhere on the pitch but will serve us best as an influential pivot. Claires speed and footwork combined with her communication and leadership is going to be central to the progression of our attack this season.”