Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce the signings of Josh Hall and Joe Duffy ahead of the 2018/19 National One season. Both Hall & Duffy have been involved with the club previously, and have joined up with the club for their pre-season preparations.

Versatile back Josh Hall re-joins the club from Ilkley having represented Mowden Park earlier in his career. The Yarm School graduate last played for DMP in the 2013/14 season, and was pleased to be making a return to his former club: “It feels good to be back at DMP after nearly 5 years away. It’s good to have some familiar faces like Shaun and Callum to help me settle back in.” The 24 year-old, who has also been a regular on the 7s circuit, added: “I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season. No doubt it will be a challenge but I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Mowden Park Head Coach Garry Law was equally pleased with Hall’s return: “It’s nice to see Josh back at the club. Josh spent a couple of years with DMP as a youngster when the club were making promotion through the leagues. He has been a constant performer for Ilkley in the 15s and has turned out in a few tournaments for the DMP 7s team, so has never been to far from our minds. I feel that his time away playing consistent league rugby will have done him the world of good and he'll be returning a more complete and confident player. His versatility to adapt and play along the backline in several positions will be a massive plus for us during what is a long and hard season.”

Another familiar face returning to the club is Joe Duffy, who signs for the club having graduated from Durham University. The back row forward was involved with DMP in pre-season prior to enrolling in his degree in Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity, during which time he was a regular starter in the University’s BUCS side. Ahead of his move to Mowden Park, the 22 year-old was looking forward to the challenge ahead: “I’m really excited for the transition from BUCS Super Rugby to National One. The physicality will certainly be increased but I believe I’m up to the challenge, I will have to adapt quickly in order to compete with the best.”

Pleased to be adding another promising young player to the squad, Law added: “Joe is another who has links as a youngster with DMP. Fresh from finishing school he came and did the pre-season, playing in the pre-season matches before taking up a position with Durham Uni. Once again he has never been too far from our thoughts and someone we have kept tabs on during his time there. Much like Josh he has the ability to play across the backrow and is sure to add competition in this department. He will bring a physical edge in the contact area and around the ruck which is a key component to any successful team.”

You can see Josh and Joe in action this season by buying your Season Tickets online here