Prop forward Chris Barratt joins Hornets

Rochdale Hornets have completed the signing of prop forward Chris Barratt from North Wales Crusaders.

The club have paid a significant transfer fee to secure the services of Barratt on an immediate basis. 

Prior to the move, Barratt was North Wales' longest-serving player, having first joined in 2020 from Coventry Bears.

He has gone on to feature 118 times in all competitions for the club and was given the captaincy ahead of the 2024 campaign. 

A dependable member of his former club's forward pack, Barratt led North Wales to the Betfred League 1 title last season. 

He goes straight into contention to feature this Sunday against Goole Vikings in Round 8 of the Betfred Championship. 

"I'm happy to get this move over the line," Barratt said. 

"I'm really looking forward to getting started with Rochdale and seeing how far we can go for the rest of the season. 

"After speaking to Gary Thornton, it was an easy decision to make, as it sounds like he’s building something I want to be part of."

Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached an agreement with North Wales Crusaders for the transfer of Chris Barratt.

“He is a big, experienced and uncompromising prop forward who has been a cornerstone of North Wales’ pack and a thorn in our side over the past five or six years.

“At Monday night’s All Hornets Q&A, I exclusively revealed the capture of George Roby to those in attendance, and also stated that we were also on the lookout for a quality middle. 

“It’s not just a case of bringing any old player to the club though, and If we are to progress this club and team, we need a targeted approach to recruitment and need to add strategically to the quality already in the group.

“This move should further demonstrate we are a well-run club on the up, and it’s further evidence to our supporters, partners and wider community of the direction Rochdale Hornets is now heading in.”