In 2001 Darlington Mowden Park was one of the first clubs in the North East to establish a girls rugby team. At that time it was a new national initiative to keep girls in the game after the age of 12 when they were no longer eligible to play mixed mini rugby and had to wait until they were old enough to join a women's side.

Mowden Park now runs two teams that play in the North East League. The Under 14s is for players aged 12 -14 years and the Under 17s is for older girls. Both teams have the full backing of the Club and Mowden Park girls have established a formidable reputation for their skills and success at both regional and national level. Four years ago they were crowned North East Champions, won the North of England Challenge Trophy and got through to the quarterfinals of the National 7s Tournament at Richmond, Surrey; three years ago the Under 17s were runners up in the National 7s at Newcastle and two years ago they reached the quarterfinals of the National 7s at Harpenden. They capped all of this last season by winning the Plate in the National 7s. In addition, Mowden girls have played representative rugby at County, Regional and National level. Such success has brought recognition and the team is delighted that Darlington Building Society is now sponsoring them.

With the Sharks  women's at Mowden Park there is now an excellent progression route for girls into senior rugby.

Training for girls aged 12 - 17 takes place every Thursday between 6.30pm and 8.O0pm and new players are always welcome. Matches are organised on Sundays. It's a great opportunity for girls to keep fit, have fun, make new friends and generally socialise. Rugby's about a lot more than just playing

 

 Click for Photos Dave Morgan