Ahead of the 2022/23 National One season, Darlington Mowden Park are thrilled to announce the signing of Yaree Fantini. The back rower joins from Benetton Rugby having competed in the United Rugby Championship last season. Asked about signing for Mowden Park, the 24 year-old commented: “I’m excited to be joining DMP In a new competition I haven’t played in before. I’ve known some of the lads prior to joining and they’ve only said good things about the club and it’s ambitions so it’s definitely an environment I’m keen to get involved in.”

Prior to his time in Italy with Benetton, Fantini played a pivotal role in Ayrshire Bulls’ Super 6 title win in 2021. The physical back rower has also earned international honours, representing England 7s in 2017 while studying at Northumbria University. Looking ahead to his latest challenge, Fantini added: “My ambitions for this season are to get involved as much as I can with the team to put the club in a better place than it was last year.”

Familiar with the North East from his time at Northumbria, Fantini becomes Mowden’s third new arrival of the summer following Morgan Passman and Sam Kyle-Clay. Speaking about the latest addition to the DMP pack, Forwards Coach Joe Cain said: “Yaree will bring a high level of professionalism to the squad having played for Treviso last season. He’s a very fit, athletic and technical player who will add a lot to our back row. From what we’ve seen of him so far in pre-season we are going into the season very confident in what he can bring to DMP.”

Yaree has joined the Mowden Family, have you? Our all new 2022/23 Mowden Memberships are available to purchase online by clicking here.