Emon Ratu and Chris Churm return to Hornets as board members

Emon Ratu and Chris Churm with former Hornets secretary Lynton Connolly

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Emon Ratu and Chris Churm, who played with distinction for Rochdale Hornets in the 1990s, have returned to the club as board members of the supporter owned Kingstone Press Championship rugby league team.

Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn said: “We are really pleased to welcome Emon and Chris on board. They both played with distinction for Hornets and are really well respected by Hornets supporters everywhere.

“Away from the game they have a great business background and already have some great ideas and suggestions to take Hornets forward.”

Former Hornets half back and Hero of Hornets inductee Chris Churm added: “Rochdale Hornets is such an inclusive and accessible club.

“Anyone can get involved in some way and be a part of something positive at a very exciting phase in the development of the club.

“I'm thrilled to have been asked to contribute to a club which gave me so many great experiences as a player. I'm especially thrilled to be joining the board alongside my great friend from my time at Hornets, Emon Ratu.

“There is fantastic leadership and a clear vision at Hornets and we'll do whatever we can to help support this and continue to build on the recent successes.”

An equally ecstatic Emon Ratu said: “Exciting times are ahead. I am looking forward to seeing what goes on behind the scenes at Spotland.

“The club is steeped in history and tradition and I am hoping to contribute and take things to the next level. Whether it’s getting more ex-players involved in the club or supporting the existing board in new ideas how we can promote Rochdale Hornets.

“Either way, it’s going to be fun and hopefully Hornets can go from strength to strength.”

In a nice touch both Emon and Chris suggested replicating a photograph from their playing days and so they invited former Hornets secretary Lynton Connolly down to Spotland for a special photoshoot to mark them getting involved at Hornets.

They also formed the same pose with Hornets latest CEO Adam Bates.

Lynton said: “I’d like to wish them all the best, I think they will be good for the club.”

Hornets’ 2017 Kingstone Press Championship campaign starts on Sunday 5 February at 3pm as they kick-off their season with a visit from Dewsbury Rams.