Warrington Wolves have announced a new partnership with Rochdale Hornets for the next two seasons.
The Wolves will partner up with the Kingstone Press League One side to work together at many levels from the development side through to the first team. Warrington will provide access to the club’s state-of-the-art training facilities at the University of Chester, allowing the Hornets to also draw on the expertise of their medical and performance departments.
The partnership will see all Wolves’ first-team squad players dual registered with Rochdale. Similarly the Hornets’ players will be available for selection by the Wolves’ reserve grade allowing Warrington to observe their young potential talent.
Karl Fitzpatrick, Wolves’ head of rugby operations, said: “Firstly on behalf of the club I’d like to thank North Wales Crusaders for their support in 2015; it was a pleasure to work with them. We are now looking forward to building a strong partnership with Rochdale as a means of increasing opportunities for players at all levels while providing the Hornets with access to a full-time environment to learn from. We are continually looking to invest in the development of players within our game and this partnership is another example of clubs working together to achieve this.”
Rochdale coach Alan Kilshaw added: “I said since arriving at the club that we would always do what’s best for Rochdale Hornets and I believe linking up with the Warrington Wolves provides that opportunity. It is a partnership in every sense of the word and both clubs will be working closely together to ensure it thrives.”
Wolves’ chief executive Roger Draper said: “This is an exciting partnership for both clubs. Rochdale coach Alan Kilshaw already has strong connections with the Warrington club following his time as Warrington and Cheshire Rugby League development manager and has a good insight into the community game and the development of upcoming talent, and now has experience from his time coaching in Australia. His Warrington roots go as far back as when he played his junior Rugby League for local amateur side Crosfields. We’ll be working with the Hornets both on and off the field including commercial, marketing, foundation and stadium management sectors.”
Ryan Bradley, Hornets’ chief executive, added: “We are looking forward to working with Warrington Wolves over the next two years and the fresh approach it will bring at all levels. We can provide a great environment and a culture in which Warrington are comfortable working with and, in return, we get access to first-class facilities and expertise off the field. We will also be bringing training back to the borough in part for next season as we build towards a strong, sustainable future for Rochdale Hornets.
“We have enjoyed a successful three years with St Helens – a partnership that delivered our first trophy in 91 years and saw Saints win the Grand Final with a team featuring numerous dual registration players – and we are really thankful for everything. However, the return of reserve grade football has changed priorities for both sides. We were keen to continue a strong partnership agreement with a Super League club and Warrington Wolves are a perfect fit.”
