Darlington
Mowden Park
Sharks
Another DMP side starting a new
chapter in their history is the Sharks, the
club’s Ladies 1st XV. Following a lengthy
tender process it was announced in April
that the Sharks would be one of just ten
teams chosen to compete in the RFU’s
new premier women’s competition.
Details have since emerged of an exciting
new league, the Tyrrell’s Premier 15s,
which will see the Sharks compete
against the best club sides in England. A
significant financial contribution by the
RFU, accompanied by a new sponsor,
has given the women’s game a new
platform to shine.
DMP Sharks have prepared for
the inaugural Premier 15s season by
recruiting a pair of experienced elite
coaches. Justin Loveridge has joined
the club as the new Women’s Head of
Programme, having spent recent years
with the Leicester Tigers. He is joined
by the vastly experienced Mike Umaga
who has had great success in his time
in charge at Bishop Burton College.
The new coaching pair will be hopeful
of a bright start when their season gets
underway on Saturday 16th September
against Gloucester Hartpury.
The Sharks squad will soon be
bolstered by the return of their six
England players from World Cup duty
in Ireland. Katy McLean, Tamara Taylor,
Heather Kerr, La Toya Mason, Zoe
Aldcroft and Abbie Scott were all named
in England’s squad for the tournament
in Ireland.
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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