Darlington Mowden Park Sharks are delighted to announce the signings of Scottish forwards Lana Skeldon and Rachel McLachlan ahead of the upcoming 2019/20 season. The international pair join the Premier 15s side ahead of the third season of the RFU’s new premier women’s competition.

Front row forward Skeldon joins the club from Tennent’s Women’s Premier League side Watsonians, having previously represented Melrose and Hillhead Jordanhill. Ahead of her switch to Premier 15s rugby, Skeldon commented: “I am really excited to be joining the Sharks. Having watched the team over the last 2 seasons in the Tyrrells I’ve seen massive potential in the squad and I hope I can add to the team and bring something new. My main reason for joining the club is to challenge myself on a weekly basis and raise the standard of my own performance. I also want to learn from other players such as Tamara Taylor who is extremely experienced and I would love to play alongside the likes of her and challenge myself to become better.”

The 25 year-old Hooker brings a wealth of international experience to the Sharks pack, having made 34 international appearances for Scotland since making her debut against the Netherlands in 2012. Skeldon had previously progressed through the National age group squads, representing her country at U16, U18 and U20 level. Looking ahead to her first season with the Sharks, Skeldon added: “In terms of goals for the season I would really like to focus on becoming better as an individual so I can transfer the improvements I make across to the international stage and hopefully improve for country as well as club. In terms of the team, I would really like to help the team to become more competitive with the top teams and hopefully make the play offs at the end of the season.”

Also joining the Sharks is back row forward Rachel McLachlan. The 20 year-old has already made 8 international appearances since her debut against Italy, and she was excited to continue her rugby career at the Sharks: “I’m really excited to be joining DMP Sharks. It’s a great opportunity to play such a high standard of rugby, with some really experienced players. I’m keen to get the season started and make the most of the experience.”

McLachlan, a former Scottish Judo Champion, began playing rugby when she started at Glasgow Caledonian University and quickly went on to represent Stirling County and West of Scotland RFC. The blindside flanker, who has also represented Scotland in the shorter 7s format, was eager to get started at her new club: “I wanted to join the club to play a higher level of rugby regularly. DMP as a club offers players and coaches of a high standard with great experience, who I hope to learn from.”

“I hope to continue developing as a player and improving my skills. I would like to gain more knowledge of my role as a back row and how I can fit into the teams playing style through my position.”

Sharks Head of Programme Justin Loveridge was pleased to be adding further international experience to the Sharks pack ahead of the upcoming season: “We’re delighted to welcome two more fantastic young players to our squad for next season. Lana and Rachel have both proven themselves at international level with Scotland and I’m excited to see them continue to develop their skills here at DMP.”

Lana and Rachel have both signed up for 2019/20 – Have you? You can now join the Mowden Family and purchase your Mowden Memberships online by clicking clicking here.