"This a big stepping stone to what we are looking to achieve at the club. Mowden is on a journey and while it is impossible to retain every player , we want to try and achieve our goals with a settled squad," said Director of Rugby Danny Brown.

"Pete Homan has been an ever present in the back-line the season past. He is a big strong running wing, has the pace to match and is a natural try scorer," said player/coach Garry Law.

Law went on to say "Ralph Appleby is our longest serving player at Mowden (which he will let you know giving a chance), can more than hold his own in the scrum but his main strengths are his ability to play around the park, where his handling skills are up there with the back row's of the squad."

Head Coach John Newton said of Tom and Rory “Tom was very unlucky this season where he picked up a nasty knee injury in the away fixture to Wharfedale RFC which kept him out of the remainder of the season. Next season we are hoping to see Tom come back stronger than ever and raring to go. His pace and ability to beat his opposite defender are a real asset for any team."

Rory is another one of the old guard so to speak. To look at you wouldn't expect much on the rugby pitch but it's his brilliant rugby brain and skill set that set's him apart from other back row's . He is a teacher by profession and will, like many, mix work with rugby. We look forward to having all four players for the beginning of pre-season on the 2nd July , where the work will start for what we are striving to achieve at Darlington Mowden Park."