Revival of one of rugby league's longest sponsorships as British Millerain agrees sponsorship deal with Rochdale Hornets

Rochdale Hornets logo

One of the longest-running sponsorships in rugby league history has been revived as locally-based outdoor textile manufacturer British Millerain will once again sponsor Rochdale Hornets.

Rochdale Hornets and British Millerain were intrinsically linked between 1989 and 2005, with Hornets’ shirts carrying the British Millerain logo on the front for 16 years.

The relationship started the season that the club memorably earned promotion to the top flight in 1989/90, and covered their campaign in Division One, a Lancashire Cup final and extended spells in the top part of the second tier.

Now, in Hornets’ 150th anniversary season, British Millerain will be displayed on the team's shorts, reigniting the partnership.

Club chairman Andy Mazey said: “I’m originally from Leigh but throughout my rugby league supporting days, I always associated Rochdale Hornets with British Millerain.

“It was an iconic sponsorship within the sport, and one that the current board has huge respect for.

“Because of that, we are delighted to welcome British Millerain back onto the Hornets kit for what is a landmark season for the club.

“Hopefully this is the start of another long-standing relationship between the two parties, and another one of significant success for the team on the field.”

British Millerain is the original manufacturer of waxed cotton and a world leader in specialist textiles for outerwear.

Based in Rochdale for 141 years, its range of textiles has been developed through more than a century of innovation, using skills handed down through six generations, including Michael Miller, who has been company chairman since 1983.

Mr Miller said: “British Millerain is delighted to renew its partnership with Rochdale Hornets for the 2021 season.

“Personally and as a company we have great pride in the previous sponsorship of the club, which provided some unforgettable memories.

“Hopefully now we can look forward to making some more.”