Hornets sign Ewan Badham

Rochdale Hornets is delighted to announce the signing of Ewan Badham, who joins the club from West Wales Raiders

Badham is a forward who is hoping to make an impact as he joins for the 2023 season. 

After spending last season in Llanelli, where West Wales are based, the 21-year-old comes in at a time where the club is beginning a new chapter, bringing in a host of new players, with Badham being the latest.

On signing, Badham said: “I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in one of the top teams in League 1 this year.

“I’m here to make a name for myself and make a mark in League 1 as a young middle trying to reach the top.”

As well as his spell in Wales, Badham spent time at Hull FC, playing for their reserves and as well as the player, head coach Gary Thornton is excited about the signing.

“Ewan is a cracking lad and will be another great addition to our group,” said Thornton.

“He is a big, robust forward who can play middle unit or back row and he enjoys running over the top of people.

“Ewan will be a handful for teams to defend that’s for sure.

“He comes up from Wales to develop his game and test himself in a more professional environment.” 

Recruitment has been strong this offseason and chairman Andy Mazey gave his view on the acquisition.

He said: “Ewan is a player identified by our director of development Jason Seddon, having coached him with the Welsh youth teams. As soon as Gary looked at clips, we were very keen to get him up here.

“He’s spent time with Hull FC before gaining valuable time with West Wales last year.”

In a game last season, where Badham particularly impressed, Mazey said: “I remember in our game at Spotland against West Wales, he came off the back fence and ran over the top of Gavin Bennion which I hadn’t seen many do, and it didn’t go unnoticed.”

Alongside Mazey, director of development Seddon is also happy to have Badham on board. 

“Ewan is someone I know well having coached him previously. He’s just turned 21 and is a very good athlete,” said Seddon.

“I know he’s been working hard in pre-season and his determination and attitude have impressed. 

“The club worked hard to get the deal done and to ensure it was correct for both the player and the Hornets, with Ewan having to relocate from South Wales which has its own challenges.”

Badham is ready to get started in 2023, alongside the rest of the Hornets squad.

To sponsor Ewan in 2023, contact Steve.Kerr@hornetsrugbyleague.com

Season passes for 2023 are now on sale here!

Squad announced so far: Nixon, Killan, Purcell, Connolly, Swarbrick, Boardman, Berry, O’Hanlon, Roden, Straugheir, Aspey, Tyrer, Hewitt, Braham, Cooke, Blackwood, Else, Brewin, Donnelly, Harrison, Clarke, Haynes, O’Keefe, Arnold, Brannan, Porter, Green, Badham.

Image courtesy of JASP, West Wales Raiders