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Mowden Re-Sign Appleby

Mowden Re-Sign Appleby

Tom Bulmer9 Apr 2021 - 14:00
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DMP club stalwart Ralph Appleby Re-Signs for 2021/22

Darlington Mowden Park RFC are delighted to announce the re-signing of Ralph Appleby ahead of the 2021/22 National One season. The Mowden front rower has made over 200 appearances in the blue and white hoops in over a decade at the club, making him the 1st XVs longest serving player. After extending his stay at the club, Appleby commented: "Year 13 proved unlucky for us all! Role on year on year 14 if that even counts as a year!"

Since his debut against Fylde in 2008 the prop has been a regular in the 1st XV, making 18 appearances in the 2019/20 campaign before the season was curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to the return of rugby, Appleby added: "I'm looking forward to playing rugby, seeing the Mowden Family and those who have supported over the years. I'm tot looking forward to longest preseason in history though!"

The upcoming season will see Appleby begin a transition into the DMP coaching setup as he assists with coaching the forwards. DMP Director of Rugby Garry Law commented: "Ralph need no introduction as the longest serving player in the first team. He brings a lot to DMP both on and off the pitch so naturally we're very happy he's going again for another year. Ralph will be officially dipping his toes into the coaching side of things also. He has a lot to offer on this side of things which I don't actually think he realises.

"As a player he is always a solid and ever-present performer on the pitch. He is very rarely sidelined through injury which is a credit to his work rate and professionalism looking after his body away from the training pitch. Very much looking forward to Ralph reaching 100 games from his 13 or 14 years at DMP, he'll argue that its somewhere more like 300 but maths has never been one of his strong points!"

Stay tuned for more squad news and updates in the weeks to come as we continue to look forward to the upcoming season!

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