Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce that Rob Vickers and Jake Rodgers have joined the DMP Durham Sharks coaching group with immediate effect. The coaching duo have already linked up with the squad and will oversee Saturday’s Allianz Premier 15s trip home game against Saracens.

Former Newcastle Falcons prop Vickers joins the club as Sharks Performance Manager, bringing a range of coaching experience from his time at the Falcons and Northumbria University. The 39 year-old has been instrumental in the development of the women’s rugby programme at Northumbria, following a playing career that included over 250 1st XV appearances for the Falcons. Asked about his new role, Vickers commented: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Sharks to continue to develop women’s rugby in the North East. The Sharks have a very promising young squad and I’m excited to see how far they can progress in the coming seasons.”

Vickers will oversee the ongoing partnership with Durham University as part of his role; a link he is keen to progress. “The partnership with Durham Uni is one that I’m keen to develop. I know Alex Keay and the team at Durham really well from my time there, and I look forward to working with them going forward.”

The former England Saxon will be joined by Jake Rodgers, who Vickers knows well from recent seasons: “I’ve worked with Jake for the past 2 years at Northumbria. He’s a very promising young coach and this is another great opportunity for him to work within women’s rugby. We’re both very keen to get started and get to know the squad.”

22 year-old Rodgers joins the club as Sharks Assistant Coach. In addition to his role with the Northumbria Women’s squad, Rodgers has led the universities 7s programme as well as playing regularly for National 2 side Tynedale. Asked about joining the Sharks programme, Rodgers said: “I’m really excited to get started with the Sharks and work to develop Women’s Rugby within the North East.”

“The squad contains a plethora of talent across the group and I believe there is a real opportunity to develop the players into future Internationals. Having worked with Rob at Northumbria University I know we work very well with each other, he’s a brilliant coach and mentor so I’m excited to join him in this new venture.”

Darlington Mowden Park’s Danny Brown added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Rob and Jake to the Sharks programme. They’ve both made big contributions to the women’s game in recent years and we look forward to working with them going forward.”

“We’d also like to thank Gordon and Stuart for their contributions over the past 6 months and wish them both the very best for the future.”

Vickers and Rodgers will take charge of the side for Saturday’s home game against Saracens. Stay tuned for team news at midday on Friday.