RL Supporters Direct Trophy

Rochdale v Hunslet in RL Challenge Shield

Rochdale Hornets will take on last year's playoff winners Hunslet Hawks in the first running of the Supporters Direct Rugby League Challenge Shield on Sunday 8th February 2015, kick off 3pm.


The two supporter-owned Rugby League clubs are amongst six in the sport, and comes just a matter of days before the start of the new season.

Supporters Direct CEO Robin Osterley, said:

"We're really pleased that both clubs have been able to accommodate this fixture in their busy pre-season calendar. It's really important for us that we show the breadth of our work, and having two clubs so well placed in the game of Rugby League is a source of real pride for us."

"We're hoping that this fixture can be a regular one between clubs owned by their supporters, and it will also raise the profile in the sport of the work that we do across supporters' trusts both in Superleague and in the Championship."

Hornets Director David Bulcock said

" It is a match we at Hornets feel privilege to have been invited to take part in along with our friends from fellow supporter owned Hunslet Hawks. It highlights the fact that such clubs can work and prosper in the sporting world; that in the new era of Rugby League our two clubs can grow and be successful but still live within our means. This game will help to spread the word that supporters can get involved and own their clubs.

“As well as a celebration of supporter’s ownership, it helps both coaches build on the pre-season in a competitive way and with silverware up for grabs it will be a fast open competitive game of Rugby League. One all at Hornets are looking forward to."

The fixture will be played at the home of Rochdale, Spotland, a ground that thanks to the work of Rochdale Hornets and the support of Supporters Direct, was recently listed as an 'Asset of Community Value', ensuring that if it's sold the community would have a right to mount a bid to buy it.

Hunslet Chairman Neil Hampshire said:

"It's a real honour to be asked to contest the SD Supporters Trophy against our fellow supporter owned opponents Rochdale Hornets. It will be a chance for us both to help SD promote supporter ownership across Rugby League. We feel this is particularly important at a time when the sport is moving back to promotion and relegation throughout the professional game and Clubs need to learn very quickly to live within their means, guarding against the dangers of a ‘Boom and Bust’ approach. For the players it's an excellent opportunity to contest for early silverware, giving the game an added edge and making it far more meaningful than a standard pre - season friendly. I'm sure both sides will be highly competitive and we will see a game fitting of the occasion."

Other details will be announced closer to the fixture.