New signings and retention 2024-25

In the backs scrum halves Oliver Bunce and Jonny Weiman, fly half Tom Threlfull and back three player Rafe Whiteat.

Ben Brooker is another new forwards signing having been in the Tigers ACE program at Brooksby college, he is on a dual registration with Leicestershire side Melton and is hoping to break into the Lions first team squad.

Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce the signing of Sam Turnill ahead of the National One season. The loosehead prop joins having graduated from Newcastle University, and has already linked up with DMP's pre-season preparations. Speaking about his move to Mowden, Turnill said: "Looking forward to the new season with DMP and making the transition from University rugby into National League One."

The front rower has previously represented the Newcastle Falcons academy, and offers further depth in the DMP pack. Forwards Coach Joe Cain added: "Sam comes to us having been a constant fixture in the front row for Newcastle University over the last few seasons. He has the ability to play both sides which is always a good thing. He’s applied himself really well through pre season and I’m looking forward to seeing him in the remainder of pre season games and into the season proper."

This is the second prop to join Mowden this off-season who can play both sides of the scrum, a very handy skill at any level.

As the countdown to the National One season continues, DMP are pleased to announce the signing of Callum Trees. The versatile back joins having represented Leeds Beckett University, and was involved in Saturday's pre-season trip to Sedgley Park. Speaking about joining the club, Trees said: "I'm excited to be joining DMP. I've really enjoyed preseason and everyone in the team has been very welcoming. Hopefully I can help the team to perform well in National 1 and look forward to the challenges ahead."

The 20 year-old back has primarily played in the centres, but has covered multiple positions in his time with the Luxembourg age group squads. Speaking about the latest addition to the DMP backline, Director of Rugby Garry Law added: "Callum joined up with the squad mid way through pre season and is stepping up from Uni rugby but is already showing he is more than capable of making the step. He is a utility back and can cover a few positions along the back line which will be a great asset to have throughout the season when injuries start to occur within the squad."

Darlington Mowden Park are pleased to confirm the signing of fly half Harry Read for the 2024/25 campaign. Read signs having been involved in Saturday's pre-season opener at Sedgley Park, and was happy to be committing to DMP: "I am thrilled to be joining Mowden Park and can’t wait to get started with the team. To be playing for a club with such strong history in National 1 is an amazing opportunity and I hope to add to past success. I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that the new season will bring, and I’m excited to work hard with my teammates to achieve our goals."

The Durham University graduate joins having been a regular in their BUCS Super Rugby squad last season, after previously coming through the Leicester Tigers academy system. The 21 year-old becomes the latest addition to the DMP back line, and Director of Rugby Garry Law was pleased to be adding further depth to the squad: "Harry has only come on board this last week but has already impressed. He has a wide range of skills and is a good communicator on the pitch. Having had a positive start I'm sure he is only going to get better with time. Looking forward to seeing him put his stamp on things."

The 29 year-old is originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, and had represented West Melton in NZ Division 1 before his move to the UK with Guernsey. Operating primarily at loosehead in his time with the Raiders, Dunn can also cover tighthead prop. Director of Rugby Garry Law added: "Looking forward to Jamie getting on board later in the month. A prop with National League experience after playing for Guernsey. He has ambitions to play at the highest level possible, so hopefully DMP will be a good environment for him to flourish. He is going to add some competition for places when he gets fully up to speed with how we operate."

With just 3 weeks to go until the National One season, Mowden Park are pleased to announce the signing of scrum half Matthew Osborne. The 21 year-old joins the club ahead of Saturday's pre-season opener at Sedgley Park, and Osborne was looking forward to getting started: "I’m excited to join Darlington Mowden Park and represent my hometown. I’m looking forward to the season and contributing to the team’s success. It’s a privilege to be part of such a dedicated and talented team."

Mowden's latest signing has represented Glamorgan Wanderers, Cardiff Met and Barnard Castle, with county honours for Durham. Asked about Osborne's arrival, Director of Rugby Garry Law said: "Great to have Matty come on board, another local lad which is what we want to see. He is making the step up from uni rugby this season and will bring competition for the 9 shirt. Looking forward to seeing him get a taste of Mowden rugby this weekend."

As a Glamorgan Wanderers and Barnard Castle alumnus, Osborne will have played with new hooker Jacob Newman, who also previously played for both teams. It's good to have another scrum-half signed for the season so, with George Speakman, there are two new scrum halves to get acquainted with their teammates during the preseason training and games against Sedgley Park, Hull, and Tynedale.

Peac-ock works ok…