As preparations continue for the upcoming National One season, Darlington Mowden Park are delighted to announce the signing of Ali Ledingham. The versatile fly half joins from Belgian side Dendermonde and will be joining Mowden’s pre-season training camp shortly. Asked about the move to the North East, the 29 year-old commented: “It’s a pleasure to be joining one of the few northern teams in National One and as a northerner I couldn't be happier. I've been away from England almost 10 years now and it is exciting to be back on home soil and closer to family. It’s a new challenge that I feel ready for.”

Playing mainly at 10 but having also covered the back three, Ledingham has been a regular in Dendermonde’s recent Belgian Elite League campaigns. Originally from Cumbria, he has represented the German national team as well as playing for Waratah RUFC in Australia. Looking ahead to his latest challenge, he said: “I’m just aiming to help the team out as much as possible and with any luck become a key part of the squad and make some mates along way.”

Ledingham becomes Mowden’s seventh new arrival of the summer, including fellow backs Callum Pascoe, Morgan Passman and Henry Hadfield. Speaking about the latest addition to his squad, DMP Director of Rugby Garry Law added: “Ali will bring some real competition to a couple of positions. He can easily slip between 10 and 15 which will be great for us this season. He has an eye for a gap and I'm looking forward to see him get going in a DMP shirt.”

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