Darlington Mowden Park
Darlington Mowden Park are a men's rugby club who play in the National League 2 North (Tier 4). Their home ground is The Arena, which holds 25,000.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| League | National League 2 North |
|---|---|
| Tier | Tier 4 |
| Home ground | Northern Echo Arena (The Arena) |
| Capacity | 25,000 |
| Nearest station | Darlington |
| Local derby | Tynedale |
| Matchday pub | Clubhouse bar at Northern Echo Arena |
| Official website | https://www.mowdenpark.com/ |
Club history
The club traces its roots to 1950 when it was constituted as Darlington Grammar School Old Boys.
In 1970-71 the Old Boys purchased land at Mowden to build their own clubhouse and pitches and renamed the club Mowden Park RFC.
In December 2012 the club purchased the Darlington Arena for £2 million after rumours it would be closed down.
The first game at the new arena was played on 2 February 2013 with over 1000 spectators watching Darlington Mowden Park beat Bromsgrove 62-7.
The Darlington Arena seats 25000 making it one of the largest grounds used by an amateur rugby union club in England.
Recent seasons
Darlington Mowden Park were relegated from National League 1 on 15 March 2025 after a home defeat to Bishop's Stortford ended their 11-year stay at tier 3.
The club dropped into the 2025-26 NL2 North following that relegation.
For the 2025-26 season the club appointed Danny Brown as Director of Rugby alongside returning coach John Newton plus brothers Neil Young and Richie Young to the coaching setup.
Darlington Mowden Park continue to play at the 25000-capacity Darlington Arena (Northern Echo Arena) which they purchased for £2 million in December 2012 making it the largest rugby club venue in England outside Twickenham.
Notable players
Club legends
- Phil Dowson
- Alex Tait
- Tom Catterick
- Alex Gray
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Frequently asked questions
Where do Darlington Mowden Park play?
Darlington Mowden Park play at The Arena, which holds 25,000. The nearest station is Darlington.
What league do Darlington Mowden Park play in?
Darlington Mowden Park compete in the National League 2 North, tier 4 of English rugby's league structure.
Who are Darlington Mowden Park's local rivals?
Darlington Mowden Park's local derby is against Tynedale.
Other National League 2 North clubs
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