Rigby joins Hornets in new general manager role

Matthew Rigby

Rochdale Hornets has announced that Matthew Rigby will be joining the club in May to take on a new position of general manager, following the departure of chief executive Steve Kerr last month.

The Rochdale-born lifelong supporter has a respected reputation for his work in the Netherlands, as operations manager of Nederlandse Rugby League Bond, a role which currently sits alongside full-time employment in a managerial position with DHL at London’s Heathrow airport.

Hornets said that the general manager role attracted some quality candidates from a variety of sectors including individuals from within rugby league, English football league clubs and other big six sports.

Matthew however was a stand-out candidate and as part of his general management role, he will support a range of commercial and strategic development efforts of the club.

Speaking about his appointment, Matthew said: “I’d like to pay thanks to Andy [Mazey, chairman of Rochdale Hornets] and the board for this opportunity with Rochdale Hornets and I’m excited to build on the strong foundations that have been laid over the past three years.

"To be joining my boyhood club in this role is a proud moment for me and I’m excited by the opportunity to lead our club in the next stages of the journey. 

"I look forward to further developing the Hornets brand through strategic planning, community engagement and building strong partnerships with local businesses to give the Rochdale borough a club the community can be proud of."

Adding to what Matthew had to say, Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “The board are absolutely delighted to appoint Matthew who is a talented, dedicated and ambitious professional who cares deeply about our club, town, borough and the sport. 

"Rugby league is in a period of proposed change due to the exciting partnership with IMG, and we need to ensure Rochdale Hornets are firmly on the front foot and Matt’s appointment is key for us on so many levels. 

"We recognise the commitment of him leaving his role in London and relocating back to Rochdale to join us, and that is testament to the conviction he has that he can make a difference here.”

Rochdale Hornets are next in action at the Crown Oil Arena on 16 April, when they take on Workington Town. 

Tickets for the fixture can be purchased now, via the Hornets website here.