Toronto announce dual-registration with Rochdale
Toronto have announced a new dual-registration agreement with League One side Rochdale that will see player movement between the two clubs in 2020.
Toronto have announced that the new partnership will also see the teams work together off the field, including a new unique player pathway at Hopwood Hall College, where the two teams train.
“Whilst we have a small squad, this gives us the opportunity to keep our players match fit through our partnership with Rochdale,” said Toronto head coach Brian McDermott.
“There is much more to the relationship than this with our sharing of our facilities at Hopwood Hall College and the exciting potential future player development pathways across both clubs.”
Both Toronto and Rochdale train at Hopwood Hall College and this agreement will also create a pathway for students to follow their passion for sport into an elite-level system. The deal will also offer recurring opportunities to join forces at a community level to assist the growth of Rugby League both nationally and internationally.
As well as an on-field history between the two clubs, head coaches Matt Calland and Brian McDermott also have connections reaching back to their playing days. The two played together at Bradford Bulls from 1995 to 1998 and will now work together once more as a result of this dual registration agreement.
“The chance to link up with Toronto is just an offer we can’t refuse,” said Calland.
“I already have a great relationship with Brian from our playing days at Bradford, and this is a very exciting time for Rochdale Hornets.
“We have already trained with them twice, which is great for my team. It is also great for Hopwood Hall rugby academy for the students to be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sonny Bill Williams, Jon Wilkin and the whole side is like a dream come true.”
The agreement will also see the sides grow off the field in terms of coaching, with the backroom staff of both teams working together to deliver the best training sessions for players, including sports science and medical support.
The two clubs are also committed to working together in engaging people with the sport, and with the great work from Rochdale Foundation alongside Toronto’s high profile in the world of sport, it’s a partnership that will grow the sport and community engagement in the area and deliver great rugby league experiences.
