Chris Auld, Ben Frankland, Dave Fisher and Talite Vaioleti have all put pen to paper in deals that will keep them at the club next year. Mowden Park Director of Rugby Danny Brown was pleased to be able announce the signings, looking forward to next season: “We’re delighted to start our recruitment for the 2017/18 season with Ben, Chris, Dave and Vee it’s important for us this year to get some consistency in the squad as opposed to building a squad for the 3rd season. We look forward to announcing more players over the coming weeks.”

Club captain Chris Auld is the first of those to sign on for next year, having been a hugely influential player for the club this season. On signing for another year, Chris said “I’m delighted to sign with the club again as I have thoroughly enjoyed my 2 seasons at the club.” Danny Brown was pleased to secure Auld’s signature, saying: “After taking on the captaincy role following Ollie Hodgson’s early season injury, Chris has been in superb form whether playing at centre or full back”.

The 23 year old has been a consistent performer for DMP throughout the season, having played a total of 23 games already this term, missing just one. Chris has been positive about how the team has come along this year: “Despite a rocky patch before Christmas, I feel we’ve progressed massively as a team and I feel there is still more to come in the remaining 6 games this season”. With one eye on next season, the captain has set his sights high: “My ambitions for next season are to get as much game time as possible, and be part of a Mowden team that will hopefully be pushing for promotion.”

A regular partner of Auld’s in the centre, Ben Frankland has also committed to another season at the Northern Echo Arena. The 26 year old has also been a nigh on ever-present figure for Mowden Park, featuring in 23 of the 24 games so far this season. Danny Brown said: “Ben has continued to combine his teaching role in Newcastle with his rugby, and has again been an outstanding performer for us week on week”. Having scored 5 tries already this term, Frankland will be hoping to continue his good run of form into the last 6 games of the year.

Second row Dave Fisher is another to sign on for 2017/18. The South African has had a tough time with injuries this year, having broken his ankle in December, however Fisher was positive going forward into the remaining games: “I’ve been unlucky over the past two seasons with injuries, but they are out of the way now and I’m ready to return to action. I’m looking forward to playing a lot of rugby in the coming season, as well as finishing off this season with a good 6 wins.” DMP Head Coach John Newton was full of praise when it came to how the lock had handled himself this year: “Dave has had a tough season with Injury but his attitude around the club and in training, and on the pitch when he has played, has shown us that when he is fit he is a great asset with his physicality and work rate”.

The lock joined the club in 2016 following a stint with fellow National 1 side Plymouth, and was thankful for the club’s help since then: “I really appreciate all the help DMP gave me on getting me released from my previous contract. I want to thank the club for recognising my potential and offering me the chance to stay for next season.” Looking forward to 2017/18, Fisher was ambitious about the future: “I believe I can offer a lot to Mowden Park, and I’m excited for what’s coming up next.”

Fellow second row Talite Vaioleti has also put pen to paper in a deal keeping him at the club for another year. The 36-year old has established himself as a firm fan favourite at Mowden Park, and has really been enjoying his rugby this season. John Newton was positive about the impact Vaioleti has had on the side this year: “Vee is having the best season we have seen from the big Tongan, he has been outstanding.” The Tongan international has produced some of his best rugby in 16/17, and fans will be hoping for more of the same in the coming season.

With more announcements to come, fans can see the players in action in their next home game against league leaders Hartpury College on Saturday 25th March.