We are delighted to confirm that Darren Smith will become our new head coach, and will continue to be assisted by Newcastle Falcons stars George Wacokecoke and Conrad Cade.

Glyn Hewitt will look after things away from the pitch as the team manager, assisted by George Hewitt.

We are also delighted to confirm that Steven Barnfield will continue as the first team captain, after a stellar season last time out.

Darren is a Rover through and through, and has been involved with with the club since he was 6 years old, as a mini, junior and then first team regular following his debut in 1999. He had a brief sabbatical at BBOB, contributing to an undefeated promotion season and a Durham vase double, before returning to Rovers to set up the women's and girls section and has been a driving force behind its current success.

Darren has coached the county girls team and helped with the North East centre of excellence, has seen three of the Rovers girls team have England trials and spent a day with Eddie Jones to further develop his coaching knowledge.

Darren has been coaching for over 15 years, and has his level 2 coaching badge, and is working towards the level 3.

Darren is looking to continue the great work of the past few seasons from Ste Smith and can't wait to get started. Pre-season training details will follow in due course.