Excitement growing ahead of debut of relaunched Hornets Women

With Rochdale Hornets Women set to take to the field on Sunday for their historic first game since relaunching, head coach Ben Bird admits excitement couldn't be any higher.

The Hornets Women, now operating under a modernised club model, will make their debut at home to Fryston Warriors in Round 1 of the Women’s Challenge Shield (11:45am kick-off). 

It has been a busy few weeks leading up to their cup outing, with a raft of new additions confirmed as the club's historic first women's squad since the relaunch continues to take shape.

And while it promises to be a memorable weekend for all involved, head coach Bird says it will be just as special on a personal level to take charge of the club he has supported since the age of seven.

"The girls couldn't be more excited," he said.

"There are a lot of girls who are new to the sport, bringing a lot of rugby union experience with them, but we have great mix and the group has really come together over the last few weeks.

"They're eager to get out there and play that first game. Everyone can see that there's a lot of ability in the squad, so it's important to get the nerves out of the way and get them some game time.

"The girls have put so much effort in and there are no egos in the group. It's special to be part of, and we can't wait to get started."

Discussing the personnel within his squad, Bird added: "The whole club, from top to bottom, has put a lot of time and effort into pulling this group of girls together and giving them the right environment to come into. 

"We've got a massively promising squad - a mixture of really talented young girls, and then some more experienced heads who can help them find their way in the game. 

"I can see there being some big individual successes along the road with these girls, and hopefully Sunday can be the very start of the journey for them."

Sunday's first game for the Hornets Women at the Balderstone Park community hub, also known as ‘The Hive’, comes against a Fryston side who play in the Women's Northern League 1 - a division higher than the one which the Hornets Women have been accepted into for the 2025 season. 

Sunday's opponents have won both of their league games so far, and Bird is under no illusions about the size of the challenge facing them this weekend. 

"Fryston have a really strong setup," he added.

"They're no mugs, so I want to see us be competitive and stay in the game. 

"Defensively I want us to be strong. We've got a lot of athleticism across the pitch, and I want us to give ourselves a chance. 

"We don't know how we'll go until we actually cross that white line and take to the field, but as long as we stay competitive and come out of the game injury-free, I'll be a happy coach regardless of the final scoreline."