DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK return to league competition this afternoon for the first time in over 500 days as they travel to Birmingham Moseley in the opening round of the National One season

Garry Law’s side’s last league game came back in February 2020 when they travelled to Plymouth Albion, before the Covid pandemic cut the 2019-20 season short.

The following season was cancelled completely, before the welcome news that the 2021-22 campaign would start on time this weekend.

Asked about the effect of such a long break, Mowden captain Ollie Hodgson said: “It’s been a very long time without competitive rugby and there’s only so much training you can do without getting bored of having no games at the end of the week.

"It has been a great week of training knowing that there is a competitive fixture at the end of it and that’s really brought an extra edge to what we’re doing.”

Unlike many of their National One rivals, Mowden's squad has remained largely stable over the long break from league competition.

The bulk of Law’s squad has remained with the club, including first XV captain Hodgson, club captain Joe Craggs and league leading points scorer Warren Seals.

A number of young players have also joined the club over the summer, including former Wales Under-20s captain Will Jones, who is in line for his Mowden debut this weekend.

Speaking ahead of this afternoon's season opener, Hodgson was pleased with how the squad was progressing.

"The squad hasn’t changed that much really," he said. "Yes, we have lost one or two players, but we have managed to keep the majority of the squad and add to that with some fresh exciting players.”

This year’s National One campaign will be contested by just 15 teams following Old Elthamians' withdrawal due to financial issues.

The remaining sides will all be hoping to get off to the perfect start this weekend, and Hodgson was unsure which teams would be likely to top the table this year.

“It’s very tough to call which team is going to be favourite," he said. "The pandemic has had its effects on all clubs so there could be a few surprises this year.

"We are in a good place on a whole as a club, so we will definitely be looking to compete for those top spots.”

On a personal level, Hodgson will miss out on the season opener as he continues his recovery from a planned shoulder operation during the off-season.

The back rower will be hoping to be back on the field in the coming weeks after returning to training earlier this month.

Asked about his ambitions for the season, Hodgson added: “Personally, and as a team, I think our goal is just get back into throwing the ball about again and enjoying what we do.

"It’s been too long since we last had the opportunity so we will make the most of it.

"To be playing with a crowd and hearing support from the sideline is going to a huge factor in us enjoying the rugby and we’re excited to be back out there.”

The National Two North season also gets under way this afternoon, with Blaydon playing host to Loughborough Students, Harrogate lining up against Sedgeley Park and Tynedale taking on Fylde.