DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK have completed the signing of winger Morgan Passman ahead of the start of the new National One season.

The 22 year-old joins Mowden from Newcastle Falcons on a permanent basis, having previously made seven appearances for the club while dual-registered over the course of the last two seasons.

“I’m happy to be signing, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” said Passman, whose release from Kingston Park was confirmed earlier this summer. “My main reason for coming is to get back to doing what I’ve always wanted to do - playing rugby and have as much fun as possible while doing so.”

Passman has impressed during his time with Mowden so far, scoring nine tries in his seven appearances, including four in one game as he made his debut for the club against Plymouth Albion in 2019.

The prolific winger then went on to make his Premiership debut for Falcons against Leicester Tigers in 2021, although he suffered an injury-hit campaign in the 2021-22 season, which proved to be his last at Kingston Park.

Asked about his time playing at the Darlington Arena over previous seasons, Morgan added: “The past two seasons were great.

“Obviously, I messed my knee up pretty bad when I’ve been here, but I’m over that now and I’m ready to get going.

“I’m really excited to get stuck into pre-season and get back out there playing with ball in hand.”

Passman is looking forward to the new National One campaign, which begins on Saturday, September 3 when Mowden host Chinnor, and is hoping to get a full season of rugby under his belt.

“My goals are pretty simple really and fairly similar to why I’ve signed here in the first place,” said the winger. “I want to enjoy my rugby, be the best player I can be for the club and hopefully by the end of the season, I can look back and be really happy with what the team and I have achieved.”

The fleet-footed winger becomes Mowden’s first new signing ahead of the start of next season, and confirmation of his arrival follows news that first-team regulars Ollie Hodgson and Joe Craggs have extended their stays at the club.

Mowden director of rugby Garry Law is excited by the latest addition to his squad, and is confident Passman can make a major impact in National One now he has joined Mowden on a permanent basis.

“We’re really pleased to have Morgan’s services on a full-time basis with Darlington Mowden Park,” said Law. “We are hoping he can put last season’s injuries behind him and really get back to the form that saw him quickly become a fans’ favourite when on loan from the Falcons.”