Rochdale Hornets land Australian duo

Rochdale Hornets are delighted to announce the signing of Australian duo Darcy and Elijah Simpson.

Darcy Simpson (pictured below) is a second-rower who made the move to Cornwall from Queensland, Australia, in December 2023 and holds both an Australian and British passport.

Prior to arriving in the UK, Darcy played in the Queensland Cup for Brisbane Tigers – the competition winners in 2023. 

He also gained state representative honours with Queensland’s under-21 side. In his early years, he was also part of North Queensland Cowboys' regional academy, and he played with his brother Elijah at Brothers RLFC Cairns.

Elijah Simpson (pictured below) is a middle forward who enjoys a physical, fast-paced style of rugby league.

He only arrived in the UK earlier this year having been part of the Brothers RLFC Cairns side that won their third premiership in three years, writing themselves into the history books. 

Elijah featured in a blockbuster 18-14 FNQL (Far North Queensland Rugby League) grand final for Cairns last September before joining Darcy in the UK for 2025.

Elijah arrives in Rochdale this evening (Monday 14 April) and will join up with the playing group immediately. Darcy will arrive on Easter Monday, and the double signing provides a timely boost to head coach Gary Thornton, his staff and the squad.

Commenting on the double signing, Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey said: “Obviously it goes without saying that everyone at Rochdale Hornets was deeply saddened by Cornwall’s withdrawal from the Betfred League 1 competition earlier this month. 

"This unfortunate development rendered several players available with immediate effect, and we therefore had to move quickly to beat off competition and get this double deal over the line. 

"The timing for us was good, as Gary and I had been scouring the market for a back-rower and we are light in this area. 

"Darcy is a player that Gary had expressed an interest in previously, largely due to his pedigree having come through first-class systems over in Australia. Gary was also keen to add to his middle options, so it’s a timely double boost to the squad and Elijah, the elder of the brothers, is a real competitor and brings a wealth of experience.

"I'd like to go on record in thanking my fellow directors Carl Halstead and Jason Wilson for their support on this deal also. 

"Between the three of us, we have provided the necessary finance, employment opportunities and accommodation to be able to relocate the lads to Rochdale and bring them onboard. 

"I’m certain our supporters will make the lads welcome in Rochdale and part of our Hornets family."

Speaking about the news Jimmy from SMTM UK Management said: "It was a whirlwind few days for Elijah, Darcy & myself after the devastating news broke at Cornwall. 

"The lads were left with nothing after uprooting their lives in Australia to follow their UK rugby dreams. However, the communication & efforts from Andy right from the get-go have made their move up to Rochdale as easy and hassle-free as we could wish for. 

"I look forward to seeing the boys repay the trust shown in them for the remainder of the season on the field for the Hornets.”