Rochdale Hornets, a League 1 rugby club, has officially announced the signing of Fijian prop Joe Taira, marking his third return to the Crown Oil Arena. The 35-year-old player first joined the Hornets in 2016 and has since played a total of 104 matches in club colors, showcasing his loyalty and dedication to the team.
Taira’s journey includes significant time spent at the Batley Bulldogs, followed by a return to Rochdale in 2021, where he added another 34 games to his record over the past two years. Recently, he played at the community club Rochdale Mayfield, but he has now agreed to a one-year deal that brings him back to the Hornets for the 2025 season.
Despite not officially earning a cap, Taira has the distinction of being part of the Fiji national team, where he played against England in a World Cup warm-up match in October 2022.
Expressing his excitement about returning, Taira stated, “I’m buzzing to be back at the place I started my professional career, and I find it fitting that it’s where I will end it.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by the team last season but is confident in his ability to help them improve, especially as he prepares for the pre-season.
Last season, Rochdale finished third in League 1 but were eliminated in the play-offs by Hunslet, who eventually earned promotion. Head coach Gary Thornton expressed his enthusiasm for Taira’s return, highlighting his popularity and the valuable experience he brings to the squad.
This signing signifies not only Taira’s commitment to finishing his career with the team that launched it but also offers the Hornets a chance to build on last season’s promising performances. With Taira’s experience and relentless style of play, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.
In summary, the return of Joe Taira to the Rochdale Hornets serves as a key development for the team’s aspirations as they look to make a stronger push in the upcoming season. His leadership and experience will likely play an important role in guiding younger players and reinforcing the squad’s cohesion.
Leave a comment