Darlington Mowden Park RFC are delighted to announce the signings of Ollie Walker and Tristan Grant from National 2 North side Tynedale. The pair have joined up with the rest of the Mowden squad as they prepare for the 2018/19 National One season.

Versatile outside back Ollie Walker joins the club following a prolific season in National 2 North. The winger, who has also played at full back, notched 13 tries last season including a hat trick against South Leicester in February. Ahead of his move to DMP, the 24 year-old commented: “I’m looking forward to a new challenge in playing at DMP and I’m excited for the new season ahead.”

Newcastle-born Walker has represented Newcastle Falcons A as well as playing in the Singha Premiership Sevens in the shorter format of the game. The winger was involved in 24 of Tynedale’s games last season, starting in all Asked about his ambitions for the coming season, Walker said: “My goals for this season would be to win the league and be as involved as much as possible myself.”

Another new addition for Mowden is teenage prop Tristan Grant, who joins following a short spell with Italian side L’Aguila. The 19 year-old, who has previously represented the Newcastle Falcons Academy, was excited about his move to DMP: "I really appreciate this opportunity DMP have given me to prove myself within their team. After coming back from a short term contract in Italy with L'Aquila I needed to find a club back here in the North East and I'm really glad it's with Mowden Park. All the players and staff have been great so far and I’m looking forward to my time here.”

Grant, who was born in Zimbabwe, made a total of 16 appearances for Tynedale last season before his stint in Italy, scoring 2 tries in the process. Looking forward to the season ahead, Grant commented: "I’m going to do my best to make a positive impact and help the team reach our goals for the season."

Mowden Park Coach Garry Law was delighted with the two new additions to the squad: “We’re pleased to have Ollie and Tristan joining us. They’re both young players who want to push on and test themselves in National One. Ollie comes following a couple of good seasons with Tyndale where he has always been one of the top try scorers, so we hope he can carry this on with us. Tristan comes as a bit of an unknown but is sure to pick up a few tricks in the dark arts of propping from our forwards coach Mark Luffman which should help to push him on and bring genuine competition to squad. Both players have already shown up very well in the first few sessions of pre-season.”

You can see Ollie and Tristan in action this season by buying your Season Tickets online here