Rugby League: Sophie Cox to lead Rochdale Hornets Women’s team

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A new Rochdale Hornets women’s rugby league team will be led by Olympic judo star Sophie Cox as a Director of Rugby.

Women from Rochdale, Oldham, Bury and beyond are invited to attend an open training session on Sunday 27 January at The Soccer Factory on Royle Barn Road in Castleton.

The session will start at 10.00am when the full plans will be outlined followed by the first coaching session, finishing at 12.00 noon.

Sophie is an elite athlete in her own right having represented Great Britain at Judo at the Olympic Games and medalled at European level in her sport. She is also a high-level coach and mentor and was the first ever female to play Rugby League at Wembley when she represented Rochdale schools in 1993.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/4/sport-news/118235/-25-years-since-sophie-cox-changed-view-of-rugby-league-forever

Former Rochdale Mayfield loose forward David Chrimes will be the head coach assisted by Hornets Community Coach Kirsty Crehan, who will also act as Team Manager.

Niel Wood, Rochdale Hornets Foundation chairman, said: “Our ambition is to create a team that the rugby players and athletes of the area can get involved with and grow into something really successful and develop a long-term pathway for female players.”

“We are treating this as a third major team under the banner of Rochdale Hornets, joining the men’s and wheelchair teams."

There are further appointments to make of backroom staff and anyone interested is welcome to attend the session and meet the team. Everyone is welcome at the open day, regardless of experience - please register your interest by emailing foundation@hornetsrugbyleague.com.

The open day takes place at 10am on Sunday 27 January at The Soccer Factory, Royle Barn Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3DT.