Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce that Club captain Ollie Hodgson has re-signed with the club ahead of the 2019/20 season. Since making his 1st XV debut in 2013, Hodgson has amassed 84 league appearances in a Mowden shirt and was awarded the club captaincy back in 2016. DMP's Director of Rugby Danny Brown was pleased to be keeping such a key member of his squad: "We're delighted to have re-signed Ollie for next season. Not only for his impact on the pitch which we've seen since his return from injury, but also he really understands what it means to be a part of the Mowden Family. Ollie is a huge part of the squad we have here and we're thrilled that he'll be here for another year."

On re-signing Hodgson said: “I will be going into my 7th season for Mowden next year and have enjoyed every minute. The set-up is great, quality group of boys, good coaches and amazing facilities with amazing supporters that travel home and away.”

Injuries have restricted the back row to just 6 appearances this year, after he had captained his side to a club high 2nd place finish last season: “My highlight for this season was probably getting back on the pitch in February after being injured since pre-season. There are still a few games left of this season and a few big performances still to come from this group of boys.”

His outstanding performances for both DMP and Durham County last season earned him a call up to the England Counties Tour to Romania in the summer of 2018, where he made 2 appearances and scored a crucial try against Romania. Asked about his ambitions going forward, Hodgson said: “I am looking forward to the challenges that National One brings every year and I want to see how far as a team we can push ourselves which will hopefully result in a higher league position than this year and as a team I think it is important that we get consistency across our season."

"We never really have the best of starts to the season and we seem to pick it up in the 2nd half of the season. If we can get that 2nd half level of performance from the beginning, who knows what might happen.”

Hodgson, who turns 24 on Monday, is set to make his 85th club appearance on Saturday against league leaders Ampthill. Asked about his personal goals for the future, he added: “I enjoy playing rugby on Saturday afternoons, so I want to try and keep the injuries to a minimum, so I can play with my mates and put a strong season together as a team.”

You can see Ollie and his DMP teammates in action this weekend against Ampthill in a 3pm kick off at the Northern Echo Arena. Tickets for the game are available on the day priced at £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and FREE for U16s.