Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce the arrival of Henry Hadfield from Fylde ahead of the upcoming National One season. The versatile wing / centre has already linked up with his new teammates as pre-season preparations continue at the Darlington Arena. Asked about joining DMP, the 26 year-old commented: “I’m excited to be part of the club and to buy into the culture. It feels like a long time between seasons and then once you get going they go by pretty fast.”

“I want to play the best rugby I can, it is also a necessity to be to be somewhere that feels right and I am going to enjoy myself. Geographically it is closer to home and my family. I’m sure anyone who plays National League rugby understands it is time consuming.”

Hadfield will be familiar with DMP already, having faced them twice in the 2017/18 National One season with Fylde. The winger had previously represented Tynedale for two seasons between 2015 and 2017. Hadfield was a regular for Fylde last year in a season which culminated in his involvement for Lancashire in the Bill Beaumont County Championship, including Man of the Match honours against Yorkshire in May. Speaking about his involvement in Mowden’s preparations so far, he added: “Pre-season is going well. There is a lot to learn and it’s hard graft. The boys push each other well which makes it a great environment to be in.”

Hadfield becomes Mowden’s fifth new signing of the summer, following Morgan Passman, Yaree Fantini, Callum Pascoe and former Fylde teammate Sam Kyle-Clay. Looking ahead to the 2022/23 season, the former Myerscough College student said: “Personally my goal is to be involved as much as possible and do whatever is needed of me on and off the pitch for the club. Hopefully we are building for a successful campaign, and as a newcomer it is important to me that we finish in a better place than last season.”

Speaking about the latest addition to his squad, DMP Director of Rugby Garry Law added: “We’re happy to have Henry come on board with us for this season. He is an abrasive winger/centre and someone who I feel will fit in very well to how we want to play the game here at DMP. There is going to be some really good competition for places this season and Henry's arrival only adds to this.”

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