Tom Ashton becomes first confirmed signing for 2025

Rochdale Hornets’ first new signing for the 2025 season has been confirmed.

Powerhouse centre Tom Ashton has re-joined the club for a second spell, bringing to an end his near-two-and-a-half-year stint with fellow Betfred League 1 side Cornwall. 

Ashton left the Hornets to join Cornwall midway through the 2022 campaign, having moved south due to work. 

He went on to make 39 appearances for the club, scoring six tries. 

During his time at Rochdale, the 32-year-old crossed six times in 11 appearances following his switch from Hunslet - averaging more than a try every two games.

The powerful outside back proved to be a real favourite and will now return to familiar surroundings ahead of the 2025 campaign. 

"I’m thankful for GT [Gary Thornton] and Andy Mazey for giving me another chance to represent this great club,” Ashton said.

“The work they have done on and off the field this season shows that it’s a club heading in the right direction. I feel like it was the right time for me to come back to the club, and I can hopefully be a great addition to the squad, adding some size and firepower on the edges.”

Rochdale Hornets head coach Gary Thornton said: “It’s fantastic news to have Tom back in a Rochdale shirt for 2025.

“Tom is a strong running centre who poses problems for any defence, and he will be a great addition to our attacking options.

“He’s a great character as well as a good player, so I’m really looking forward to working with him again and welcoming him back. He will be an integral part of our group.”

Chairman Andy Mazey said: “I've stayed in contact with Tom since reluctantly agreeing to his release in 2022, and there is a strong feeling of unfinished business here. 

“Gary and I are delighted to have agreed terms to bring back an experienced, powerful centre who has put in some solid performances for Cornwall over recent seasons, with the added bonus being he is a player who Gary knows how to get the best out of. 

“Tom will add positively to what we are building here, as we strive for continued progress in 2025.”