Darlington Mowden Park have announced the retention of a number of backs ahead of the 2023/24 National One season. The retained players have combined for over 500 appearances and 200 tries in a DMP shirt. Speaking about the retained backs, Director of Rugby Garry Law added: "We're happy to be keeping the majority of the backs at the club from last season. There's a nice mix of youth and experience in there and we'll be looking to add to the squad in certain areas of the coming months to create some healthy competition for places."

Callum Pascoe

Having joined the club last summer, scrum half Callum Pascoe has quickly established himself in the 9 shirt - playing in every league game in his opening season. Formerly a Falcons Academy player, Callum goes into his second season at the Arena in 23/24.

Ben Frankland

This season saw Ben Frankland make his 150th appearance for the club against Esher back in December. The experienced centre has been a mainstay in the DMP backline since signing from Tynedale in 2015, and was awarded Players' Player of the Season at this year's Awards Dinner after another stellar campaign which saw him notch 10 tries.

Liam Checksfield

After joining the club in the summer of 2021, Liam Checksfield has made 21 first team appearances to date. A flying start to the season saw the centre run in 6 tries in just 7 appearances before suffering a long-term injury against Cinderford in December. Liam heads into his third season with the club as he continues his recovery from injury whilst balancing work commitments.

Ollie Walker

Missing only a single game this season, versatile back Ollie Walker has been another mainstay in the DMP backline. Covering both centre and the back three, Ollie has amassed 89 appearances since his debut in 2018 scoring 22 tries in the process. He heads into his fifth full season with the club in 2023/24.

Henry Hadfield

A new arrival for 2022/23, Henry Hadfield has quickly established himself as a regular in the DMP squad missing just 2 games all season. The former Fylde winger ran in 7 tries this season, including a brace against Cinderford in April. Henry goes into his second season in the North East for 23/24.

Callum Mackenzie

Mowden's most-capped active player, club stalwart Callum Mackenzie heads into his 11th full season with the club. Since his 1st XV debut in 2013, Callum has amassed 234 league appearances scoring over 70 tries along the way. The 2022/23 season saw the versatile back miss only 3 games all year.

Morgan Passman

After a prolific spell with the club under dual-registration with Newcastle Falcons, Morgan Passman signed for DMP last summer and quickly re-established himself at the top of the try-scoring charts. The explosive winger has ran in 26 tries in 24 league appearances for the club, including 17 this season.

Darlington Mowden Park are currently recruiting for the 2023/24 National One season. For any players interested in joining the club please email garry.law@mowdenpark.com