Rochdale’s Thai deal

Rochdale Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn with Thailand Rugby League CEO and founder Shannon Crane during a recent visit to the South East Asian Kingdom

Rochdale Hornets has agreed a Friendship Partnership with the developing Thailand Rugby League.

Rochdale Hornets Chairman Mark Wynn met with Thailand Rugby League CEO and founder Shannon Crane during a recent visit to the South East Asian Kingdom.

The two men exchanged shirts with Hornets being presented with a player’s shirt from the 2014 Thailand Rugby League chhampions, Pattaya Sharks and Hornets donating a new 2015 season playing jersey.

Mr Wynn and Mr Crane discussed the development of the game internationally and the benefits available to both organisations of cross promotions and exchange visits.

Mr Wynn said: "I have always been a big supporter of expanding rugby league internationally and Thailand is making remarkable progress which should see their domestic competition group massively in the next few years."

Mr Crane added: "We are expanding our domestic league to 10 teams this year, we have four international games planned for October and an international nine's event in Pattaya in June.

“We hope to gain Rugby League International Federation Membership shortly and our major goal is to aim to qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup."

On a practical level the relationship will see Hornets encouraging its supporters and those of other clubs who are visiting Thailand to get along to a game and show support for the great work being undertaken there.

Also if any players or qualified coaches are visiting Thailand they will be encouraged to help coach a session for the players who are relatively new to the game.

For Hornets, Thailand Rugby League has a huge social media presence via which Hornets can promote club membership and possible merchandise sales.