THE next generation of rugby stars got a taste of the action at a family fun day.

Darlington Mowden Park rugby club held the event at its Northern Echo Arena home on Saturday (August 9).

Held as a curtain-raiser to the forthcoming season, the attractions included touch rugby for youngsters, a barbecue and the chance to meet players from the men's and women's first teams.

The event was organised in conjunction with Newcastle-based St Oswald's Hospice and the National Fostering Agency.

Mowden moved into the former Darlington FC stadium after the football club left following a fans' takeover.

In the season-and-a-half that the arena has hosted rugby, it has turned into a community hub venue, with gyms and a children's creche.

Last season, Mowden secured promotion with the final play of the season, when a Zylon McGaffin try secured victory in the end-of-season play-off against Ampthill.

Mowden kick off their National League One campaign at home to Blaydon on September 6.