Moorcock pub sponsors Hornets’ new Aussie signings

Thursday, 1 May 2025 15:23

By David Murphy

The Rochdale Hornets have welcomed support from the Moorcock pub in Littleborough, who are sponsoring new Australian recruits Darcy and Elijah Simpson for the 2025 season.

The Simpson brothers joined the club earlier this month, with Elijah already making an early impression. He featured in two matches and scored the decisive try in the Hornets’ nail-biting 8–7 Good Friday victory over Swinton Lions at the Crown Oil Arena.

Darcy, who arrived in the UK on Easter Monday, has begun training with the squad and is expected to make his debut in the coming weeks.

The Moorcock, a popular local pub, has generously agreed to provide temporary accommodation for the pair during their time in the country.

Anne and Ben from the Moorcock said: “We’re buzzing to be sponsoring Darcy and Elijah this season. They're two top lads from Australia whom we had round for breakfast last week, and we're proud to back the Hornets in any way we can. Good luck to both Darcy and Elijah, from all of us at the Moorcock."

Rochdale Hornets general manager Matt Rigby praised the partnership: “We’re really grateful to everyone at the Moorcock for supporting us with temporary accommodation for the Simpson brothers. The staff have far exceeded expectations on a daily basis, and the boys are well looked-after.

“Ben’s continued support of rugby league in Rochdale shows no boundaries, and we’re delighted to have him on board again in 2025.”

The club’s partnership with the Moorcock highlights the strong community ties and grassroots support behind the Hornets’ efforts both on and off the pitch.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

United Utilities urges residents to protect pipes ahead of freezing weekend

Residents and businesses across Rochdale and Greater Manchester are being urged to protect their water pipes as temperatures are forecast to plunge this weekend, raising the risk of bursts and flooding.
Bolton Mountain Rescue Team pays tribute to long serving volunteer Geoff Seddon

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has announced the death of veteran volunteer Geoff Seddon, saying the team is devastated following what it described as a short but brutal battle with cancer.
Three floors of iconic town centre building could be turned into flats

Three floors of an iconic building at the heart of Bury’s nightlife ‘strip’ could be turned into flats. Developers plan to renovate the upper levels of the former Silver Chambers at 8 to 12 Silver Street into nine apartments.
Community walking group 'Mayfield Movers' set to start in 2026 to promote active living

A new community walking initiative called Mayfield Movers is set to launch in 2026, with the goal of improving physical health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community ties across the borough.
My 5 years at Westminster were dominated by Brexit paralysis

After five years in Westminster, Liz McInnes is finding joy in getting stuck into her role as a local councillor.
2025 was the year Roch Valley Radio became your newsroom

When Rochdale Online closed its doors earlier this year, Roch Valley Radio stepped up to ensure the stories from the boroughs we serve didn’t go untold.
Hopwood Hall College Principal among North West recipients of OBE in King's Honours List

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Hopwood Hall College has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List, recognising her long-standing contribution to education in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.
Radcliffe commentator Clive Tyldesley honoured with OBE in New Year list

Veteran football broadcaster Clive Tyldesley, who grew up in Radcliffe, has been awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.
Rochdale Lioness Keira Walsh awarded MBE in New Year Honours

Rochdale-born footballer Keira Walsh has been named in the King’s New Year Honours list, receiving an MBE for her services to the sport.
Bury mountain rescue volunteer honoured with MBE for five decades of service

A long serving mountain rescue volunteer from Bury has been recognised in the New Year Honours for more than fifty years of lifesaving work across Cumbria and the Lake District.
Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt awarded CBE in New Year Honours

The Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his role in delivering major changes to public transport across the city region.
Senior GMP detective to receive King’s Policing Medal for disaster victim identification work

A senior Greater Manchester Police detective is to be recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for his work supporting victims and bereaved families following major incidents and complex deaths.