DARLINGTON Mowden Park have stepped up their preparations for National One with what they describe as the biggest signing in their history.

Garry Law, a 29-yearold fly half or centre, has played for Scotland A and captained Rotherham in the Championship for the last two seasons.

Following their dramatic promotion two of Mowden’s first three signings are goal-kicking utility backs, despite the fact that fly half Tom Hodgson’s kicking played a huge part in their end-of-season victories against Macclesfield and Ampthill.

They also expect to have last season’s first-choice No 10, Grant Connon, fit by November following a knee operation, while the other recent signing is Otley’s prolific goal-kicker Mark Ireland.

Law, from Hawick, has played for the Barbarians and has made more than 30 Heineken Cup appearances as an ex-Border Reivers, Viadana and Lazio player.

Mowden coach John Newton said: “Garry is a fantastic signing. He is a quality player with a wealth of experience and will help our young and exciting backs to learn and develop their game.

We’ll have some real competition in the backline.”

Laws said: “Mowden have real potential, incredible facilities and the ambition to keep developing.

“To be approached at the early stage of the club’s development is a great opportunity and it’s an exciting time for me. With a young squad it will be great if I’m able to make a difference in the development of their game.”

Ireland can play at fly half, centre and full back.

He played for Kendal and Sheffield before Otley, where he had a 77 per cent success rate as a kicker last season and finished second among the National Two North points scorers.