Proud Yorkshireman Mark Luffman says his appointment as DMP Durham Sharks boss is a match made in heaven. 

The north-east side endured a torrid campaign last season and finished bottom of the Allianz Premier League table - with just nine points from 18 matches. 

A record of one win all season is a nasty one to inherit but Luffman, who coached Sharks’ men’s 1st XV for two seasons between 2017 and 2020, is relishing the prospect of assuming command in the Darlington hotseat.

Sharks travel to Gloucester-Hartpury in Saturday’s opener and Luffman, who was only appointed as DMP chief this week, said: “I’m from the north and there’s a huge passion within Yorkshire and the north-east for rugby and within Yorkshire for rugby. 

“One of my goals, one of my aims is to harness all that goodwill and enthusiasm and get it pointed in one direction. 

“It’s really exciting – I’m only a week into the job but it’s been great, the girls have been really welcoming and really enthusiastic so it’s really exciting to crack on with the job.

“I think every team is looking at every element to improve, so we’re taking things one step at a time putting basic principles in place. 

“The ultimate aim is to make ourselves competitive in the league and I think we’ve got a good chance of doing that this year.”

The Allianz Premier 15s is the elite women’s domestic rugby union competition in England and having been won by high-flying Harlequins last season, continues to grow year on year.

The Premier 15s will once again be played over 18 rounds, culminating with play-offs (21 May 2022) and a title final (4 June 2022, venue TBC).  

With no promotion or relegation, there are no changes to the 10 teams within England’s top-flight of women’s domestic rugby, operating in a league format with home and away fixtures. 

Sharks last took to the pitch in front of crowds back in January 2020 before the Covid-19 wreaked havoc on the domestic rugby circuit.

The Yorkshire side host Saracens – who lost to Harlequins in last year’s Premier 15s final – in their first home fixture on 11 September and Luffman can’t wait to see the Darlington Arena packed to the rafters.

Ealing Times: The Allianz Premier 15s is the elite women’s domestic rugby union competition in England and continues to grow year on yearThe Allianz Premier 15s is the elite women’s domestic rugby union competition in England and continues to grow year on year

He said: “I think everyone is excited, the crowds are going to be back properly and it affects the players more than it does coaches. 

“It’s going to be great to have people back in – there’s really passionate supporters about Darlington and particularly the women’s game as well. 

“It will be great to welcome them back with open arms and hopefully get some wings on the ball.

“For me, it’s about moving from the place where we are now to where we can get to. 

“Hopefully if we gain, both with players developing as individuals and as a team, both on the field and off the field.

“I’m not putting numbers on it but to try and win every game and see where we get to after that. We’ll see but so long as we’re performing to our capabilities and we’re improving game on the game then that’s a success.”

The Allianz Premier 15s is the top-flight women’s domestic rugby union competition in England. For all the latest news from the Allianz Premier 15s, you can follow @Premier15s on Twitter and Instagram. You can also watch live action on Premier15s.com throughout the 2021/22 campaign.