Park Life, a new column for The Northern Echo online by Darlington Mowden Park RFC

WITH all the talk in rugby circles focusing on who will and won't make Stuart Lancaster's final 31-man England World Cup squad, another team whose final squad is coming together is Darlington Mowden Park.

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This Saturday, fans can get the chance to see the new look team in action as Mowden Park play host to National League Two South outfit Old Albanians in their final pre-season game before the new season gets underway in early September.

Among those who will be strutting their stuff at the Arena this weekend will be Mowden Park’s two new foreign imports, back row Italy A international Luca Petillo and former Argentinian sevens scrum-half Bruno Bravo.

Joining from Cavalieri Prato and Doncaster Knights respectively, it is hoped the pair will bring some glamour to the team.

Lining up alongside them will be former Tynedale pair Matt Charters and Ben Frankland, who, despite Tynedale’s relegation, arrive with glowing reputations.

With many key figures from last season’s squad renewing their contracts for another year, there is belief around the Arena that the team can improve on last year’s ninth-place finish.

Tickets for the game are priced at £5 for adults and free for under-16s - it’s a great opportunity to see the new-look Mowden Park in action.

With Mowden Park’s first home game a little over two weeks away, supporters who have yet to collect their 2015-16 membership cards can do so by calling in to the main Arena reception where they are available for collection.

Supporters who are yet to renew their membership or are interested in becoming a member, with all the included benefits, can still pick up an application pack from the club or download one from the official club website.

This year, the club are pleased to again be providing a range of themed match day hospitality options throughout the season which allow guests to enjoy the full Mowden Park match day experience before taking in the game from the comfort of private director seating in the centre stand.

With prices starting from £15pp, supporters can enjoy a range of two and three-course meals alongside various entertainment and pre-match build up - for full details and menu options, check the official Mowden Park website.

Away from the rugby, the events team at Mowden Park are working around the clock to bring a wide range of events to the club.

Following the success of the club’s annual Pre-Season BBQ at the start of August, a wide range of events have also been pencilled into the Mowden Park events calendar including Ladies Day, Family Fun Day, Christmas Special and of course the arrival of the New Zealand All Blacks.

Don’t forget to follow the club on Twitter and Facebook where there will be an explosive announcement coming soon!