Darlington Mowden Park are pleased to confirm the retention of 13 forwards ahead of the 2026/27 National Two North campaign. Boasting more than 850 appearances between them, the group combines valuable experience with exciting young talent.

Speaking on retaining the majority of the pack, Director of Rugby Neil Young said:
"We're delighted to have a strong core of the squad committed for next season. There's still work to do and we're looking to strengthen in a few key areas, but we're very pleased with the progress we've made so far. Keeping this group together gives us a solid platform to build on heading into the new season."

Alex Fusco - Back Row
A talented young back-row forward from Barnard Castle, Alex captained the Yorkshire Academy side during the 2025/26 Premiership Rugby Next Gen campaign. A product of the renowned Barnard Castle School rugby programme, he joins the retained squad after signing at the end of last season with plenty of potential and leadership qualities.

Alfie Barron - Loosehead Prop
A cornerstone of the Mowden front row since arriving from Hartpury in 2017, Alfie Barron continues to be one of the club’s most dependable performers. Rarely absent and a regular 80-minute man, the experienced loosehead brought up 170 league appearances against Wharfedale in February last year and remains a key figure in the pack heading into 2026/27.

Bruno Brown - Hooker
Bruno Brown will continue his development with the club after being retained for the 2026/27 season. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bruno signed his first senior contract last year after progressing through the Colts system and quickly stepped up to the senior environment. He made his debut from the bench in Round 12 last season against Macclesfield, making an immediate impression with his physical edge and commitment. A powerful presence in contact, Bruno is an exciting young talent to watch as he continues to grow at senior level.

Drew Davison - Back Row
No stranger to the club, Drew previously featured throughout the 2023/24 campaign before linking up with the Army for the 2024/25 season. His strong performances during that period earned a full-time move to Champ side Caldy, but he re-joined DMP on loan at the end of last season and quickly settled back into the blue and white. That temporary move has now been made permanent, and we’re delighted to welcome Drew back to the club ahead of the new season.

Dylan Thompson - Back Row
Since signing from Penrith ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Dylan has made 30 appearances for the club, underlining his consistency and reliability. A constant presence on the pitch, he has become a trusted figure within the group and continues to develop his game at senior level. We’re excited to see what more he can bring in the season ahead.

Harrison Wood - Hooker
A product of the Newcastle Red Bulls Academy and international representation with Scotland U18s, Harrison signed last year as part of the DMP rebuild and made an immediate impact last season, crossing the whitewash nine times despite operating from the front row. A dynamic and powerful presence in the pack, he continues to develop his game and remains one to watch heading into the 2026/27.

Henry Turnbull - Loosehead Prop
Henry joins the retained group after a challenging but determined first year at the club. The loosehead prop signed last season following a spell in New Zealand, where he gained valuable experience playing club rugby for Oxford RFC. His debut season was disrupted early on by a serious pre-season injury, which kept him sidelined for much of the year. However, he returned strongly, making his first appearance in Round 24 and marking the occasion with a try in the last game of the season agains Scunthorpe.

Jacob Butterill - Back Row
After an outstanding debut campaign in blue and white, Jacob signed last year following a spell playing his rugby in New Zealand, adding further experience to his developing game. A former Sedbergh pupil and another product of the Newcastle Red Bulls Academy, Jacob featured consistently throughout the season, missing just one game thanks to his impressive durability and work rate. A physical presence with real engine and commitment across the park, he continues to be a key part of the club’s forward pack moving forward.

Joe Craggs - Back Row
Joe remains a key figure in the DMP back row as he continues into the 2026/27 season. An ever-present at the club, Joe has been a mainstay of the pack since his 1st XV debut in 2015, amassing an impressive 243 league appearances, 16 tries and 5 MOTM. His 2025/26 campaign was disrupted by a serious injury that ruled him out for the second half of the season, though he showed his resilience by returning in time to feature in the final three games. A vastly experienced and reliable operator, Joe will be aiming to build on his remarkable club career next season.

Kieran Forbes - Back Row
Following a challenging but promising first year in blue and white, Kieran joins the retained group for 26/27. Signing last season, Kieran brings real pace, power and physicality to the back row, along with strong link play that helps connect the forwards and back division. He also serves in the RAF and represents RAF Rugby, adding further experience and discipline to his game. His debut season was unfortunately cut short by a serious injury, but he made a welcome return for the final game of the campaign and is now looking forward to a strong and fully fit season ahead.

Luke Coulston - Second Row
Luke has been retained for the 2026/27 season after an impressive first year in blue and white. Signing last season from Penrith, Luke arrived at the club with a strong pedigree, having come through the Newcastle Red Bulls Academy and represented Scotland U20s on the international stage. An exciting addition from the outset, he quickly settled into the squad and brought real quality and composure to the second row. His attitude, clear winners’ mentality, and refreshing openness and honesty have made him a valued member of the group, and he will be looking to go again next season.

Sam Clark - Tighthead Prop
As a fresh signing last season, the tighthead prop arrived with strong experience having come through the Red Bulls Academy and spent time with Ealing Trailfinders and Chinnor. Sam made an immediate impact in the squad, featuring in every game last season without injury and showing remarkable consistency throughout the campaign. Adding an impressive seven tries from the front row, he quickly established himself as a dynamic and reliable option in the pack and will be looking to build on an excellent debut season.

Talite Vaioleti - Tighthead Prop
Big Vee has been retained for the 2026/27 season, continuing his remarkable long-standing service to Darlington Mowden Park. Since joining from Jersey in 2013, the Tongan tighthead has become a true club legend, amassing 236 appearances across 13 years in the North East and firmly establishing himself as a fan favourite. Still lacing up his boots at 45, Vee remains a constant presence around the squad, bringing experience, leadership and a standard of professionalism that sets the tone for those around him. A pillar of respect within the group, he continues to be a hugely valued member of the DMP family.

Our retained forwards have signed up for the 2026/27 season, have you? Our all new Mowden Memberships are available to purchase online by clicking here.