Saturday sees the Darlington Mowden Park stalwart Ollie Hodgson play his final game for the club.

He will leave the club at the end of the season to take up a dual player/coach role at boyhood Middlesbrough RUFC.

Departing the club after 10 seasons, Hodgson said: “I am really looking forward to the opportunity of playing at my home club. Mowden has been my club for the past 10 years and I’ve loved every minute. I am looking forward to playing with a lot of mates from being there as a kid. They’ve had a strong season this year finishing third so hopefully we can do something similar next year.”

Hodgson has been a huge part of the club both on and off the field, making 167 appearances while also being involved in the club’s community programme.

He added: “The club have supported me in any way they can. They have helped me with working for the community programmes in the past which has given me the experiences to get me where I am now. A special mention to Danny Brown, Anne Rose and Tom Bulmer for that support.”

The DMP number 8 has been ever-present since making his debut in 2013, and captained the side for five years between 2018 and 2023.

Speaking about the changes over his time with the club, he said: “We have had quite a few players come and go over the years. There has been some exceptional players that have gone onto represent England and play Prem.

"However, there is a core of lads that have been at the club for a while now and they’re the real strength that the coaches can add to.

"It’s great to see the younger lads come in this season, makes me feel old but it’s been good to see. They will be a big part of the club for hopefully many years and carry on the Mowden way.”

Hodgson’s final game for the club will see them welcome National One champions Chinnor to the Darlington Arena. Mowden make four other changes from the side which started against Leicester last time out: Adam Scott and Max Fraine return in the pack, while Obi Ene and Liam Checksfield come in to form an exciting DMP back line. Callum Mackenzie is also in line for a 250th league appearance if called upon from the bench.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s season finale, Hodgson said: “It will be strange knowing it will be my last time in the changing rooms on Saturday but I’ll make the most of the occasion. Chinnor are obviously a quality outfit and deserved winners of the league. It will be good to challenge myself in my final game for the club. Hopefully we can end the chapter with a good win and a few beers afterwards.”

DMP lineup: Ree, Ene, Checksfield, Frankland, Hadfield, Law, Pascoe; Barron, Fraine, Harrison, Usher, Scott, Craggs, Fantini, Hodgson. Replacements: Kyle-Clay, Vaioleti, Smith, Mackenzie, Ollivent