Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce that 1st XV Captain Ollie Hodgson has re-signed for the club ahead of the 2021/22 National One campaign. Since making his debut in 2013, the Number 8 has made 114 league appearances in a Mowden shirt, making his 100th against Plymouth in November 2019. Asked about extending his stay at the club, the 26 year-old commented: “Signing for next season has been the easiest decision to make after COVID has robbed everyone of a full season. I’m really looking forward to getting back to rugby, the club and being around the lads again.”

The Middlesbrough-born back row was awarded the 1st XV captaincy back in 2016/17 and has since earned a call up to the England Counties squad for their tour of Romania in 2018. Looking ahead to a long-awaited return to rugby at the club, Hodgson added: “I do hope that we are back to pre-season in June and starting a full season come September. We have plenty of time to get back to fitness, sharpen the skills and familiarise ourselves with being closer than 2 metres to other people. It will be good to see supporters back in the Arena and have a few beers in the Crossbar with everyone!”

Hodgson was ever-present in DMP’s last league campaign, starting in every one of the club’s 25 National One games before the season was curtailed due to COVID. Asked about the impact he’s had on the club, DMP Director of Rugby Garry Law added: “Ollie has been one of the mainstays over the majority of the last decade. He is always a consistent performer and is growing into becoming the leader we all know he can be. I'm sure Ollie will play a huge part both on and off the pitch for the upcoming season.”

Stay tuned for more squad news next week as we continue to look ahead to the 2021/22 season!