Warrington Wolves and Rochdale Hornets announce new partnership

Warrington have established a partnership with League 1 club Rochdale which will include player swaps.

The two-year deal replaces the Wolves' dual-registration agreement with North Wales and Rochdale's existing partnership with St Helens.

Warrington will provide Hornets with access to their training and medical facilities at the University of Chester.

All of Wolves' first-team squad will be dual-registered with Rochdale, whose players will be made available for Warrington's new reserve team.

"I said since arriving at the club that we would always do what's best for Rochdale Hornets and I believe linking up with the Warrington Wolves provides that opportunity," said Rochdale's new coach Alan Kilshaw.

"It is a partnership in every sense of the word and both clubs will be working closely together to ensure it thrives."

Meanwhile, former full-back Richard Mathers will return to Warrington as player welfare manager.

The 31-year-old, who was a member of the club's Challenge Cup-winning teams in 2009 and 2010, retired as a player in September, shortly after being given a six-month ban for breaching betting rules via social media.

Mathers takes over the role from Karl Fitzpatrick, who has become Warrington's head of rugby operations.

Warrington chief executive Roger Draper said: "We are pleased to have Richard back on board. He's a familiar face around the stadium and his infectious personality will bring a lot to the backroom team.

"He has a true passion for the club which is clear to see. His playing career within rugby league makes him an ideal fit to the player welfare position and he will also be able to educate players on matters away from the field - such as the use of social media within sport - following his recent personal experience."