Nefeli Leach joins Hornets Women for 2025

Rochdale Hornets Women have announced the signing of eighth Nefeli Leach for the 2025 season.

The Anglo-Hellenic 18-year-old back rower signs for Hornets women following a successful season at Bury Rugby Union. She has also had a previous stint at Sale Sharks.

She becomes the eighth signing to join Ben Bird's squad ahead of the 2025 season.

“I am thrilled to be joining Rochdale Hornets. This is my first season playing rugby  league and I can’t wait to be playing with them. I know a lot of the girls from my time playing union and having familiar faces is always nice when joining a new team.

For me 2025 with Rochdale Hornets is not just about playing the game but being able to work with a new team playing a sport we all love, to get stronger, better and closer together not just as a team but a family too. Seeing the potential, enthusiasm, strength and love that carries throughout the entire team i am excited for the future of the Hornets womens future and the club’s future. 

Training so far has inspired me. I have seen how much everyone is trying and how invested the coaches are. Ben, Matt and Rob put a huge amount of time and effort into this club which makes me want to excel in the sport. This is another example of an amazing rugby home i am looking forward to being a part of.”

Rochdale Hornets Women head coach Ben Bird said: “Nell is another of the Bury rugby union girls, new to rugby league but with lots of experience playing union. Having played for Sale Sharks in the pack, she now plays as full back, evidence of how well rounded and athletic a rugby player she is. Whether it's watching her run in try's for Bury or whether she's dominating contact sessions, Nell has shown ridiculous potential and still being such a young player has a very exciting future in RL.”

Photo credit: JM Sport Pix