Garry has been with the club for 11 years as both a player and a coach, guiding the team to a 6th place finish in 2024. Garry will step down due to continued work commitments as well as wanting to spend more time with the family. Asked about his time at the club, Garry said: “I was really torn about stepping down from my current role with the club I now call home. It definitely wasn't an easy decision, and even more so with how this current season has played out. But ultimately, it's been on my mind for some time that this would be my last. Family life and increased roles within my main job has meant it's been very hard to balance everything and give enough time to all parts.”

“This season has been one of the toughest I've had throughout my rugby career but over the years there has been many a memorable times which massively outweigh the disappointment of this. I still rank our away performance and victory away to Coventry the year they went up as one of the stand outs, this also being the year we finished 2nd which I'm proud to have had a hand in both coaching and playing. I won't be walking away from the club as my son Grayson is currently part of a very good u15 DMP team, I'm not ruling out pulling the boots on next season if required and able. Thanks for a cracking 10 years.

Joe Cain will also take the opportunity to commit further time to his role as head of rugby at Northumbria University. Joe has spent 4 years with DMP bringing a wealth of experience, whilst balancing his role at the University. Joe said of his decision: “Having spent the last 4 years at Mowden I’ve met and worked with some fantastic people. First of all, a huge thanks to Garry who brought me into the club and gave me my first opportunity to coach in the national leagues, alongside Amy and Rowan we had a great working relationship for the whole time I have been at DMP. Behind the scenes there is a number of people I could mention who help the club run day to day and put the time and effort in alongside working other jobs, but the list would be huge, thank you.”

“Another huge thanks is to the supporters who have travelled up and down the country following the team it really does mean a lot to everyone seeing Mowden colours wherever we have played. And lastly to the players, past and current the effort and commitment to the cause has been great making my job as a coach the easy part. Look forward to a few beers at the end of the season together.”

“I will be now focusing my time solely on my job at Northumbria University, which has been a challenge managing my time across both for the last couple of seasons. Hopefully we can continue the relationship between Northumbria and DMP and look to build in the coming years.”

Club Chairman Kevin Robinson added: “Since Garry arrived at the club he has brought a certain class, professionalism and dedication to the club. not only in his play which has been consistently outstanding, but also when required to step up as Head Coach, his leadership and focus has always been on progressing the club.”

“Joe has been instrumental in helping the DMP forwards in fine tuning their skills from No.’s 1 – 8, as well as introducing some of his students to senior rugby at our club. Joe has similarly brought professionalism to the club, in alignment with Garry and they have worked very well together. His time at the club has been greatly appreciated and we wish him every success in the future.”

As the club look to re-build for next season in National Division 2 North, we can confirm the coaching set up with the return of two familiar faces in John Newton and Danny Brown. Both Newton and Brown have a long history with the club and will be bringing a number of experienced coaches to help mould the squad for the new challenge in level 4. Following 10 seasons in National One, DMP will look to take their place in National 2 North, bringing through young players from the club and around the North.

The Darlington Arena is a fantastic place to play rugby and is home to 20 teams from U7’s all the way through to 3 senior sides including girls and ladies. If you are interested in speaking to the club contact Danny Brown on the details below.

Email: danny.brown@mowdenpark.com
Phone: 07718 177041

On behalf of everyone at DMP we’d like to thank Garry and Joe for their outstanding contributions to the club in recent years, and we wish them both the very best for the future.