DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK are grateful to be allowed to play on the main pitch at The Northern Echo Arena today, but are still waiting to hear what use the All Blacks will make of their facilities.

They were initially told by Rugby World Cup not to play on the pitch for the first six weeks of the season but have been permitted this one outing against Henley.

“We have to wait until they tell us we can announce what's happening,” said Mowden chairman Mike Keeligan. “It's a bit frustrating when we want to involve the community as much as possible.”

With the second team also at home today, against Morpeth, there is an opportunity for those lacking full fitness to get in valuable gain time. They include Grant Connon, who has had an ankle injury, Gareth Nesbitt, Talite Vaioleti and Darren Fearn.

There has been quite an exodus of players to London over the summer. In addition to Cameron Mitchell, Henry Robinson and Jack Allcock, former Harlequins scrum half Sam Stuart has returned south, along with back row man Guy van den Dries and centre Tom Hodgson.

Russell Anderson, the former Scotland Under 21 hooker who appeared late last season, has joined Jersey. But Mowden have the option to use Argentinian back row man Santiago Socino as a hooker, as Newcastle Falcons are keen to see him there.

Matt Charters, the flanker signed from Tynedale, will be involved today following injury.

Henley bounced back last season after being relegated the year before. They conceded 62 points last week at Rosslyn Park, the team Mowden visit next week in the first of three successive trips to London.

Blaydon visit Bedfordshire to play Ampthill, the team Mowden pipped in the play-off two years ago.

Tynedale entertain Huddersfield in National Two North, while Billingham visit Burnage in Three North. They beat the Stockport club twice last season and after losing their opening game have shuffled the backs with Luke Wilson moving to fly half, Joe Evans to centre and Peter Evans to full back.

West Hartlepool will have Aaron Myers in their squad for the first time for seven years for the home match against South Shields Westoe in North One East. But his brother Eldon has returned to Royal Navy duties and the shuffle in the backs sees Stu Waites return at full back with Zac Southern on the wing.

There's a Teesside derby in Durham and Northumberland One with Stockton visiting promoted Acklam. Skipper Steven Taylor returns to the Stockton pack, but Martin Dixon stands down as he awaits a disciplinary hearing after receiving two yellow cards last week.

In the front row Ben Cordiner makes way for Alex Fraser, and in the backs Steven Tampin, Matty Routh and Brian Morris come into the squad.

Middlesbrough introduce winger Jake Schofield and prop Robert Small for the visit of Medicals. Rhys Kilbride switches to centre for skipper Rob Bellerby. Peter Wright, who came out of retirement last year, is in the squad.

Darlington entertain Ryton and Hartlepool Rovers are at home to Durham City.