New Signings and Retentions 23-24 - Event Date: 01 May 2023

Darlington Mowden Park can confirm the retention of 11 forwards ahead of the 2023/24 National One season. With over 500 caps amongst them, the retained players include a mix of youth and experience. Asked about keeping the bulk of the forwards together: "We're pleased to have a core group of lads commit to next season. We are heavily active in trying to recruit some key positions to help push us forward for 2023/24."

Alfie Barron

Since his arrival from Hartpury in 2017, Alfie Barron has established himself as a mainstay in the DMP front row. Missing only a handful of games in his time at the club, Alfie reached 100 league appearance against Esher in December, and was one of three players to play in every game this season.

Sam Kyle-Clay

After signing from Fylde last summer, Sam Kyle-Clay has played a big part in his first season with the club whilst missing just 2 games all year. Since making his debut against Chinnor in September, Sam has been a regular in the DMP front row and goes into his second season with the club in 2023/24.

Isaac Kayada

Former Wasps Academy prop Isaac Kayada joined DMP mid way through the 2023/24 season, making his 1st XV debut against Plymouth in March. The Durham University student goes into his first full season with the club in 2023/24.

Carl Guest

Having signed from Hartpury in 2021, Carl Guest heads into his third season with the club in 2023/24. Able to cover both hooker and prop, Carl has amassed 41 league appearances in his two seasons in the North East, scoring 4 tries in the process.

Max Fraine

A new arrival for 2022/23, New Zealander Max Fraine has quickly established himself in the DMP front row. The young hooker has made 23 appearances in his opening season, including a Man of the Match performance against Plymouth in March.

Max Davies

Former England U20 international Max Davies heads into his fourth full season with the club, having arrived from Ealing Trailfinders in 2019. Max recently made his 50th DMP appearance against Plymouth, scoring 3 tries in 19 games this season.

Talite Vaioleti

Heading into his 10th season with the club, Tongan lock Talite Vaioleti has established himself as a firm fan favourite in the North East since his arrival from Jersey in 2013. Mowden's most capped active forward, Vaioleti has made 180 league appearances including 13 this season. 

Joe Craggs

An ever-present at the club, Joe Craggs has been an integral part of the DMP pack since his 1st XV debut in 2015. Craggs has amassed 178 appearances for the club at lock and back row, playing almost every minute of a 2022/23 season which saw him earn Man of the Match honours on four occasions.

Yaree Fantini

DMP's Supporters Player of the Season for 2022/23, flanker Yaree Fantini has made an instant impact at the club since his arrival from Benetton Treviso last summer. Having scored 14 tries in 23 appearances, Yaree heads into his second season with the club in 2023/24.

Will Jones

After arriving from Ospreys in 2021 Will Jones has quickly become a mainstay in the number 7 shirt, making 44 appearances in two seasons in the North East. DMP's Player of the Season for 2022/23, Will heads into his third season with the club in September.

Ollie Hodgson

DMP captain Ollie Hodgson extends his stay at the club having made his 150th appearance against Moseley in February. Since his debut in 2013, Ollie has been a huge part of the squad and has captained the side since 2017. This season has seen him score 4 tries in 17 league appearances at number 8.