Darlington Mowden Park have bolstered their forward pack by re-signing Ollie Hodgson and Ralph Appleby for the upcoming season. Appleby and Hodgson, both of whom played in the narrow defeat to league leaders Hartpury College on Saturday, join the growing list of players to pledge their futures to the club. DMP Director of Rugby Danny Brown was delighted to be keeping hold of the pair: “Both Ollie and Ralph have been outstanding again for DMP and for me it tells me more about a player that they re-sign year after year than any highlight video or agents recommendation could ever do. I am delighted, and I am sure the supporters are, to see two quality players who have developed individually but also been instrumental in developing the club commit once again.”

Appleby has established himself as a first-team regular, going into what will be his 9th year with the club. Having appeared in 22 games so far this term, the prop was happy to be able to commit to next season: “Mowden is the club where I have spent most my adult life, it's a club that I have seen change and evolve. I would like to think I have embraced the changes and developed alongside the club. I've seen a lot of player come and go but with that I've made a lot friends, everyone seems to have bought into the Mowden family.”

The 27 year old, who is currently combining his rugby with studying for a PHD in Sports Psychology at Northumbria University, said: “It has been a mixed season both personally and as a team. I think we have come a long way as a group and I think that was highlighted in the Moseley comeback. We're a stronger and more positive side now, playing some really exciting rugby. We are back to the old Mowden where we used to run the ball for anywhere and we're not afraid to take sides on.”

After making his return from a long term injury at the weekend, Ollie Hodgson has also extended his stay at the Northern Echo Arena. The back-row is also currently studying at Northumbria, for a degree in Sports Management. The 22 year-old has had a tough year with injuries, but had a positive outlook going forward: “I'm excited to be re-signing and pleased to be given the opportunity to stay after having pretty much a season long injury. The signings we have already made show that we are building strongly towards next year.”

Player/Coach Garry Law was equally positive about the Hodgson’s future with the club: “It’s great to see the current club captain has signed on for next season. Having been out since the first league game of the season, it is a credit to Ollie that he has recovered so well. He’s now back and available for the remainder of the season, which is a huge boost for the team and also for him personally. We look forward to having Ollie fully fit and raring to have a big season in 2017/18.”

With more announcements to come, fans can see Ralph, Ollie and the rest of the team in action in their next home game against Fylde on Saturday 8th April.