Vera van der Zwan joins Hornets Women for 2025

Rochdale Hornets Women have announced the signing of hooker Vera van der Zwan for the 2025 season.

The 35-year-old hooker joins Rochdale Hornets.

She becomes the eighteenth signing to join Ben Bird's squad for the 2025 season.

Vera, originally from Zwolle in the Netherlands, began playing Rugby League in 2023 and has since gone on to captain her country on six occasions in 2024, including the Rugby League World Cup Qualifiers against Ireland and Wales.

Rochdale Hornets Women head coach Ben Bird said: “Vera has joined us to provide a bit of stability during a period in which we're suffering a bit with injuries. She has a very calming energy, with a really good level of skill and confidence. I'm looking forward to seeing her test herself alongside the other girls against a good Thatto side at weekend.”

Rochdale Hornets General Manager, Matt Rigby said: “I've worked with Vera over the past year with the Netherlands, and is a model professional. Her attitude to the sport is exemplary and despite only having one year under her belt in the sport and she will bring a lot of calmness and stability to the side.”

Photo credit: Monischa Hiemons