Tigers link up news

Steve Salvin

THE fledgling relationship between Doncaster Knights and Sheffield Tigers, in an attempt to strengthen the arm of South Yorkshire rugby, has begun to show benefit to both clubs this season. Sheffield Tigers player John Buchanan scored against Rotherham Titans A XV while playing for Doncaster Knights A while Knights Academy players out on loan at Sheffield Tigers are supporting the Sheffield club in their bid for promotion this season.

The Knights have eight of their Academy players registered to be part of the Tigers squad at Dore Moor. These are Sam Pitcher (18-year-old hooker), Mike Ward (18- year-old prop), Dom Parsons (19-year-old second row) Andy Nash (20-year- old flanker), Jake Barron (18-yearold flanker), Simon Honey (18-year-old centre), Sam Bastock (19-year-old winger) and Will Du Randt (18-year old full-back). For Knights fans there can be no clearer explanation of why this link up is important for our junior players than a mention of who is coaching Sam Pitcher and Mike Ward in the art of the front-row play.

Simon Bunting, a player no-one would dispute as being an experienced and a valued addition to any team, not only coaches but plays alongside these two young men. Having “Bunny” to push on your education regarding what is needed to perform front-row duties while at the same time being available on the pitch to look after the players is an education for a young forward money couldn’t buy. Sheffield Tigers ply their trade in National Division Three North, which means the standards are high and the games extremely competitive. This season is shaping up to be an interesting one for the club as they are in third place with only seven points to make up on division leaders Morley in the race for the
title. Knights Academy players are not their just to make up the numbers or sit on the bench by any means. During the recent win against Cleckheaton Simon Honey scored the opening try with the extras added by Will Du Randt.

As the season has developed the exchange of ideas and partnership between the two clubs has grown, beginning to encompass the likes of Sheffield University and Hallam University. The two clubs work together on training sessions and player support, as well as other ventures which will help ensure a strong future for rugby union in South Yorkshire. Both Directors of Rugby, Lynn Howells and Richard Senior, are keen to see this relationship develop further and, under the watchful eye of Knights Academy Manager Steve Salvin, this seems a strong possibility. Steve said: “This season we decided to link with Sheffield Tigers without a blueprint in place and work out through trying different scenarios the best way to proceed. “I’m immensely proud of what our boys have achieved with Sheffield Tigers and how the coaches there have aided their development. “It also has to be said there are players within the Sheffield Tigers set-up we have had the opportunity to have a good look at for the future.”