DARLINGTON Mowden Park scrum half Zylon McGaffin has signed to play Championship rugby for Rotherham next season.

After a season and a half with Mowden, the 23-year-old South African returned in mid-January after gaining a degree in environmental management and has made a big impression in the last few games.

McGaffin said: “I have genuinely loved my time at Mowden, it’s a fantastic set-up. The club really is a community and it is certainly going places. The style of rugby they play and the coaching set-up have provided me with the opportunity to take the next step in my career.

“I am very excited to join the Rotherham Titans, who pride themselves on a fastpaced game of rugby. Championship rugby has always been a goal of mine and I’m delighted to be joining a very competitive outfit at that level.”

Rotherham’s forwards coach is Ed Williamson, the Barnard Castle School product who played in the back row for Newcastle Falcons before being forced to retire through injury.

Mowden coach John Newton said: “I’m very pleased for Zylon. As a club we have been building links with various Premiership and Championship clubs that allow players to develop with us then take the next steps.

“Player development is a huge part of our ethos and the way that we want to grow the club. We have been in close talks with Rotherham to form what will be a great link.”