Darlington Mowden Park can confirm that club stalwart Ollie Hodgson will leave the club at the end of the season to take a player / coach role with Middlesbrough RUFC. Ollie departs the club after 10 seasons having made his 1st XV debut back in September 2013, making 167 league appearances in the process.

Asked about his time at the club, Hodgson said: “I have had an amazing 10 years at Mowden and met plenty of good people and players along the way. There are so many people, past and present, that have made my time at Mowden a very enjoyable one and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

“I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”

Since his debut against Bromsgrove in National Two North, Ollie has gone on to become a mainstay in the DMP back and a popular member of the playing squad. The 29 year-old captained the side for 5 years between 2018 and 2023, making his 150th league appearance against Birmingham Moseley last year.

Speaking about Hodgson’s departure, Director of Rugby Garry Law commented: “Sorry to see Hodge move on at the end of the season but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. He's been a great servant to the club for 10 years and is just a genuinely nice guy to boot.”

“He's moulded into the way we try to play the game so will be a big loss and hard to replace. I'm sure he will be a great success in his new role with his boyhood club going forward.”

Hodgson departs the club to return to his hometown club Middlesbrough RUFC, where he will take up a player / coach role for the 2024/25 season. Ollie leaves with the best wishes of everyone here at DMP, with Club Chairman Mick Birch adding:

“I’m sure everyone connected to the club will join me in thanking Ollie for his enormous contribution and dedication to the club over the last decade. He has been a fantastic role model throughout his time here and he’s had a big impact both on and off the pitch. I’m sure we’ll give him a cracking send off in his final game against Chinnor, and we wish him all the very best for next season and beyond at Middlesbrough.”

On behalf of everyone at DMP we thank Ollie for his fantastic commitment to the club and wish him the best of luck for the future.