Rochdale Hornets, a League 1 rugby club, has announced the return of Fijian prop Joe Taira for his third term at the Crown Oil Arena. The 35-year-old began his professional career with the Hornets back in 2016 and has already played 104 matches for the club. His initial stint from 2016 to 2018 saw him feature in 70 games, followed by two seasons with the Batley Bulldogs before coming back to Rochdale where he added 34 more appearances.
After spending some time away with community club Rochdale Mayfield, Taira has agreed to rejoin the Hornets with a one-year contract for the 2025 season. Although he hasn’t officially earned a cap, Taira made a notable appearance representing Fiji in a World Cup warm-up match against England in October 2022.
Expressing his excitement about rejoining the Hornets, 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 believes he can contribute significantly to the team, noting the potential he sees in the squad despite the challenges they faced last season.
Rochdale finished third in League 1 last season but were eliminated in the play-offs by Hunslet, who later achieved promotion. Head coach Gary Thornton expressed his enthusiasm for Taira’s return, emphasizing his valuable experience and the positive impact he is expected to have on the team.
In summary, Joe Taira’s return to the Rochdale Hornets not only marks a significant moment in his career as he concludes his playing days where it all began, but it also brings a seasoned player back into a team eager to build on last season’s progress. His presence may provide the leadership and performance needed to elevate the Hornets in the upcoming season.
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