The Legal 500 and Chambers UK listed firm has become Darlington Mowden Park Sharks shirt sponsors for the 2018/19 season following on from its 125th year anniversary commitment to working with local organisations.

The Darlington-based firm hopes that its investment in the squad, which plays at Mowden Park, will inspire it onto more success, including in the inaugural Premier 15s, where it is competing as one of only 10 selected teams.

The team currently fields nine internationally capped players, including current England squad members Tamara Taylor, Katy Daley-McLean, Jo Brown and Heather Kerr, as well as Scotland Captain Lisa Martin.

Anne Elliott, chief executive of Latimer Hinks Solicitors, said: "We have a number of big rugby fans at the firm, so it made perfect sense to sponsor the Sharks to support the team through the season and to give something back to the area.

“It’s great to see so many women/girls getting involved in the sport, and I know that they have a really talented team, so we are looking forward to seeing the Latimer Hinks logo on the pitch."

Justin Loveridge, Head of Programme at Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Latimer Hinks to the Mowden Family. We’re looking forward to working with them to help develop the Sharks into a beacon for women’s rugby in the North East of England.”