With the Knights scheduled back for pre-season training on June 15th we caught up with mainstay winger Tyson Lewis as he enjoys the final fortnight of the off-season before reuniting with his Knights teammates as 2015/16 preparations begin.

 

Pre-season is traditionally a grueling time for all pros as the bid to get in peak physical condition ahead of the upcoming campaign begins and Tyson expects that a demanding schedule will be in store for him and his Knights teammates over the next two and half months.

“It feels like yesterday that we finished last season down in Plymouth and pre-season gets underway in just over two-weeks, it’s gone so quickly but it’ll be good to be back in the team environment.

 

“I have no doubt we’ll get put through our paces fitness wise and be in for a bit of beasting but I’ve been keeping on top of my training so, hopefully, I shouldn’t be in a bad starting place.

 

“I don’t know exactly what the coaching team have in store for us but pre-season’s tend to follow a particular pattern and the start is usually the worst with plenty of testing going on.

 

“The first five or so weeks will be really tough then you start doing more structural stuff and a bit more rugby.”

 

Tyson has been an almost ever-present name on the Knights team sheet since arriving from Plymouth three years ago but will be taking nothing for granted with regards to competing for position ahead in the 2015/16 side but feels the early signs look good for a strong campaign.

 

“It’s always the same, every new season. No ones place in the starting fifteen is guaranteed and pre-season is the time where you need to get your head down and show the coaches why the position should be yours.

 

“Last year was all about consolidating and making sure we stayed in the league and this year we need to push on, we need to turn the narrow defeats we suffered last season in to wins.

 

“Who knows where we could be at the end of the season, we showed what we can be capable of at times last season, the squad is shaping up nicely and things are looking good.”

Last Saturday Yorkshire Ladies backed up their Castle Park success against Northumberland to record a victory over fierce rivals Lancashire in a 27-21 thriller.

The Red Rose outfit has been a thorn in Yorkshire’s side in recent seasons but on Saturday they extended their unbeaten start to the County Championship to three games.

 

There was a quartet of Donny talent included in the Yorkshire side as Castle Park’s own Demons; Clare Boot, Keeta Rowlands, Lucy Walker and Laura French were all selected in the squad. Lucy Walker, playing at number eight, grabbed an all-important try in the fixture played at Burnley Rugby Club.

 

There was little time for Demons Club Captain Clare Boot to dwell on the victory however as on Sunday she headed to Birmingham to represent the North of England versus South West. The North eventually lost the game however Clare managed eighty minutes and a try…not bad for a second game in two days.

The deadline for Early Bird Season Tickets is fast approaching; to take advantage of our Early Bird savings make sure you book your 2015/16 season ticket by this Friday (May 29th).

There is an added incentive to book an early bird season ticket this year as, for the first time ever; we are offering the option to pay for your season ticket in installments. Purchase your ticket before May 29th and you can split the payments across three equal monthly installments.

Purchasing a Castle Park Season Ticket includes DRFC membership and offers significant savings compared to buying tickets on a match by match basis as well as numerous other benefits including:

Full voting rights at the Clubs Annual General Meeting
Priority access to International Tickets after two full seasons or more of being a Club Member
Two “Bring a Friend for Free” vouchers for a first team game
The opportunity to attend the Annual Members Lunch (charge applies) – Members only event
Regular communication from the Club through via email
Guaranteed entry into all home league, cup (pool) and friendly games
Guarantee your seat in The De Mulder Lloyd Stand (where applicable)
Invite to the Start of Season Lunch, Christmas Lunch, End of Season Lunch
Invite to the Meet the Players Event and Players End of Season Dinner
10% discount in the Club Shop

Tickets are purchasable from reception in the Clubhouse at Castle Park or by calling on 01302 831388.

Our 2015/16 Price Structure, Terms and Conditions and Application Form can be find via the links below.

2015/16 Season Ticket prices

SEASON TICKET APPLICATION FORM and T&Cs 2015-16

The Knights have boosted their options at stand off with the addition of Irish number ten Declan Cusack.

 

Cusack signs just over a week after the announcement was made that Simon Humberstone would be joining the Club from Cardiff Blues, giving DoR Clive Griffiths another exciting option at fly half.

 

Commenting on Declan’s signing Griff said. “I believe I’m right in saying that Declan is the only number 10 that scored against us last season.

 

“He played very well down there on the final day of the season, he’s progressed through the Munster ranks and has been a mainstay of the Plymouth team for a couple of seasons.

 

“Declan’s return from injury coincided with Plymouth’s upturn in form and fortunes, he also captained the side so we are gaining those leadership qualities as well.

 

“We now have two stand offs with great experience, with Declan and Simon Humberstone, and it is going to make competition for places extremely fierce.

 

The 27-year-old arrives at Castle Park from Brickfields having spent two seasons on the South Coast, Cusack was a pivotal part of the Albion set up since joining for the 2013/14 campaign, making 46 appearances and scoring over 300 points.

 

Born in Limerick Declan got his first taste of professional rugby with Munster, spending three years with the Irish Province, featuring heavily in the ‘A’ side and making five first team appearances.

 

At the end of the 2011/12 season Declan headed to Spain where he played for Bizkaia Gernika. During his time in the Spanish Premiership, Cusack impressed in the Amlin Challenge Cup and ended the season as the Club’s top scorer in European competition with 50 points. In May 2013 he completed his move to Plymouth.

Speaking on his signing with the Knights Declan said. “Firstly I would like to thank everyone at Plymouth Albion RFC, it was an honour and a privilege to play and captain the Club.

 

“I am extremely excited to sign for Doncaster. As soon as I spoke to Clive about the staff, players, facilities and ambition of the club it got me excited.

 

“Now I just can’t wait for pre season to start and meet the players, staff and fans.”

 

On Monday it will be a month since the Knights locked horns with Plymouth on the final game of the 2014/15 season. Plans and preparations are now well underway for the new-look Knights side and the upcoming campaign as Clive announced pre-season training will begin on June 15th. “We start back on June 15th, I’ve just had a meeting with Kendo, Cookie and Dougie going through the necessaries and putting some flesh on the bones of the schedule.

 

“We’ve got our first few weeks planned and organized now and it’s looking pretty tasty, if you see what I mean!”

 

Good luck lads!

DoR Clive Griffiths has secured the signature of Irish scrum half Michael Heaney from Guinness Pro 12 side Ulster.

The 24-year-old joins for his second stint with the Knights having previously signed from the Northern Irish province in late 2011. His form in the latter half of the 2011/12 season prompted Ulster to resign the half-back and he was offered a two year contract ahead of the 2012/13 campaign.

 

Speaking on his latest squad addition Clive Griffiths said. “Michael has gained some invaluable experience in the last two seasons at Ulster and learnt from some great players including their first choice number nine Ruan Pienaar.

 

“Competing against a World Cup winner with as many Springbok caps as Pienaar has meant Michael hasn’t had as much game time as he would like and I jumped in pretty quickly to cut a deal and bring him back.

 

“He was delighted to come back to Doncaster and has fond memories of the place, I hope the experience he’s gained playing against the likes of Toulon and Leicester last season will stand us in good stead.

 

“Michael will now compete for starting berth with our own Brad Field who really came in to his own towards the end of last season and it will mean massive competition at scrum half.”

 

Since returning to his homeland in 2012 the 24-year-old made 29 first team appearances and featured heavily in Ulster’s European Champions Cup campaign last season. Michael is a former member of the Ireland U20s and part of the squad that won the 2010 Six Nations Championships.

 

Commenting on his return to Castle Park Michael said. “I’m looking forward to joining Doncaster for next season, it’s a place I’ve experienced before and feel it’s a good fit for me.

“They are a club with ambition, and hopefully I can add to the squad and provide an impact from the beginning.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Ulster but feel it is important for my career that I play more regular rugby, which I hope to do at Doncaster.”

 

Here’s a clip of Michael in action.

Doncaster’s home of Rugby Union opens it’s doors to two of South Yorkshire’s premiere Rugby League outfits in June as the Doncaster Dons and Sheffield Eagles continue their Kingstone Press Championship campaigns right here at Castle Park.

 

Two weekends of 13-a-side fun will take place in the month of June kicking off with Sheffield Eagles vs Whitehaven on the 13th followed by Doncaster Dons v London Broncos on the 14th. Then, a fortnight later, we host a full day of rugby entertainment with a mouthwatering double header as the Dons face Whitehaven before The Eagles to battle with Workington on June 28th.

 

Tickets for all four games will go on sale from Castle Park on June 8th and we are delighted to announce that Doncaster Knights 2015/16 season ticket holders can take advantage of discounted entry to all the fixtures. Entry for Knights season ticket holders will cost just £10 for the single fixtures and £15 for the double header.

 

Full dates and admission prices are listed below.

Saturday 13th June 2015

Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven (14.00 KO)

Prices

£15 Adults 21yrs-59yrs

£11 Seniors 60+ / Students

£5 Juniors 5yrs – 16yrs

FOC Under 5yrs

Doncaster Knights season Ticket holders £10.00

 

Sunday 14th June 2015

Doncaster Dons v London Broncos (15.00 KO)

Prices

£15 Adults 21yrs-59yrs

£11 Seniors 60+ / Young Adults 17yrs-20yrs

£1 Juniors 5yrs – 16yrs

FOC Under 5yrs

Doncaster Knights season Ticket holders £10.00

 

Sunday 28th June 2015

Doncaster Dons v Whitehaven (15.00 KO) & Sheffield Eagles v Workington (17.15 KO)

Double Header Prices

£20 Adults 21yrs – 59yrs

£16 Seniors 60+ / Young Adults 17yrs-20yrs

£5 Juniors 5yrs – 16yrs

FOC Under 5yrs

Doncaster Knights season Ticket holders £15.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Club can today announce that we are parting company with eight members of the 2014/15 squad.

 

Upfront tight head pairing Ross Davies and Colin Phillips will leave the Club ahead of the new season along with back rowers Will Foden and Phil Eggleshaw. All four players signed ahead of the 2013/14 promotion winning season from National One and have been valuable members of the side ever since.

 

In the backs Tongan half back duo Tomasi Palu and Ume Fosita will return to New Zealand ahead of the World Cup this autumn having completed short-term contracts with the club. Fly-half Paul Roberts and fans favourite Bruno Bravo have also parted company with the Club following two seasons of service.

 

Speaking on the departures DoR Clive Griffiths commented. “I wish to sincerely thank all the boys who are leaving for their hard effort and commitment during their time at Castle Park

 

“It goes without saying that they have all played a massive part in our success; especially those boys involved in the promotion-winning season.

 

“It is never easy to part company with members of the family but these tough decisions have to be made and I make them in the best interests of the Club.

 

“I wish all the guys that are leaving every success in their future endeavours.”

Clive Griffiths has bolstered his front row options with the addition of young tight head Jake Armstrong.

Armstrong arrives at Castle Park from Wharfedale having played a crucial role in the Dalesmen’s 2014/15 National One campaign and, aged just 21, already has an impressive amount of experience under his belt.

A former Captain of the prolific rugby school Woodhouse Grange, Yorkshireman Armstrong joined Championship rivals Yorkshire Carnegie’s academy in 2011 before studying at Leeds Beckett University.

 

The explosive tight head gained representative honours with England at Under 17, 18 and 19 level and made his Championship bow in 2013, coming off the bench versus Ealing Trailfinders. The youngster marked his first start for the Headingley outfit with a try versus Bristol soon after, before joining Wharfedale in summer 2014.

 

Growing up Jake excelled not only at rugby but also athletics and was previously the UK’s under 17s discus champion. However rugby is now his sole focus and the prop forward is excited to be joining the Knights. “After speaking with Clive about joining I knew that Doncaster was an excellent fit.

 

“The club has big ambitions and I’m excited to be a part of it.

 

“I am very eager for the start of preseason and I look forward to meeting all the players, staff and fans alike.

 

“I would like to thank everyone at Wharfedale RUFC, it has been an honour. All the support and assistance in my development over the last two seasons has been greatly appreciated.”

 

Armstrong provides another option in a competitive looking Knights front row and Forwards Coach Glen Kenworthy believes Jake has the potential to flourish at Castle Park. “He’s didn’t miss a game for Wharfedale all season long last year and played really well in what we know is a very difficult division.

 

“He can play on either side of the scrum which is a massive bonus and is one of the most promising props to come out of National One.

 

“Jake’s a Yorkshire lad, going full time is a big opportunity for him but he looks to have the attributes to do really well in a Knights jersey.”

 

Check out Jake’s highlight video below.

The Yorkshire senior County side to face Cheshire has been announced.

 

Looking to build on their 33-12 victory over Durham a fortnight ago, coaching duo Bob Hood and DRFC’s Ants Posa have assembled a collection of the county’s finest talents.

 

There are several faces Castle Park regulars are likely to be familiar with, including former Knight Joe Bedford who captains the side from scrum half. Elsewhere Hull Ionians trio Sam Wilson, Joe Barker and Ali Thompson have all featured in the Knights first team in recent seasons. Four former DRFC mini juniors have also been included; brothers Joe and Sam Makin as well as Jake Brady and Steve Slingsby all learnt the game at Castle Park as youngsters.

Josh Burridge and Rob Rekis will make their senior county debut after starring in the Under 20s Championship winning team.

 

The men’s fixture is preceeded by the Yorkshire Women taking on their Northumberland counterparts for a 12:30 kick off and we are delighted to announce that four of Castle Park’s Doncaster Demons have been selected; Clare Boot, Laura French, Keeta Rowlands and Lucy Walker.

 

Tickets are now on with entry for both games costing just £10, you can get yours by calling Castle Park on 01302 831388 or on the gate. Under 18s are free of charge.

 

Yorkshire XV; 15 Lewis Minikin (Harrogate), 14 Sam Wilson (Hull Ionians), 13 Joe Allott (Sandal), 12 Joe Barker (Hull Ionians), 11 Elliott Hodgson (Huddersfield), 10 Callum Irvine (Harrogate), 9 Joe Bedford (Sandal – capt), 1 Dave Laverick (Hull Ionians), 2 Ali Thompson (Hull Ionians), 3 Steve Johnson (Hull Ionians), 4 Joe Makin (Hull Ionians), 5 Sam Brady (Harrogate), 6 Joe Saunders (Hull Ionians), 7 Laurence Cohen (Hull Ionians), 8 Josh Burridge (Wharfedale)

 

Replacements; 16 Aarin Yorke (Harrogate), 17 Jason Moss (Otley), 18 Jake Brady (Harrogate), 19 Kerry Wood (Harrogate), 20 Isaac Green (Hull Ionians), 21 Steve Slingsby (Hull Ionians), 22 Rob Rekis (Blaydon)

Coaches – Bob Hood & Anthony Posa

Clive Griffiths has bolstered his back division for 2015/16 season with the addition of 27-year-old stand off Simon Humberstone from Cardiff Blues.

 

The Basingstoke born outside half has spent the past two seasons playing with the Guinness Pro 12 outfit, where he made 15 appearances in the league and LV Cup competitions.

 

Humberstone started his rugby career in the Harlequins Academy and gained representative honours with South East England and England Students. Having spent a season playing with Heriot RFC in Otago, New Zeland, the halfback returned to the UK to study at prolific Rugby institution UWIC, featuring heavily in the College’s Championship winning Welsh Division One East campaign.

 

In 2010 Simon joined Welsh Premiership outfit Pontypridd becoming a prominent feature in the Club’s backline. Humberstone’s impressive displays in a period where Ponty dominated the division saw him called in to the Blues side for a handful of appearances before signing with the region in January 2014.

 

Commenting on becoming a Knight Simon says that the move is a perfect fit. “After speaking to the coaching staff at Doncaster, and hearing of their plans over the coming seasons, I am really looking forward to joining a club with big ambition, and hopefully helping them take the next steps towards that.

 

“I’ve spoken to several past and current players about the club, and everyone is extremely positive about the place, which was one of the deciding factors in choosing to join Doncaster.

 

“I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone at Pontypridd RFC and the Cardiff Blues for a fantastic few years and helping develop me as a player and a person to this point in my career.

 

“I am just looking forward to getting up to Doncaster now, training hard and hopefully contributing to helping them get back to where they want to be.”

 

 

This Saturday we welcome some of the County’s finest players to Castle Park as Yorkshire take on Cheshire, kick off 3pm.

The game will be Yorkshire’s second of their 2015 Bill Beaumont County Championship campaign, which began last Saturday with a 33-12 victory over Durham at Huddersfield Rugby Club. The game forms half of a Yorkshire double-header as earlier in the day Yorkshire Women are also in action and take on their Northumberland counterparts in a 12:30pm kick off.

DRFC’s Rugby development manager Ants Posa coaches the Yorkshire side and is hoping to carry his success from the Under 20s through to the senior side. Under the stewardship of not only Ants but also, Knights Forwards Coach, Glen Kenworthy the Under 20s claimed the County Championship title beating Berkshire in the final at Twickenham earlier in the year.

Tickets are now on sale for May 16th with entry for both games costing just £10, you can get yours by calling Castle Park on 01302 831388 or by popping into reception (Monday-Friday, 9-5pm), Under 18s are free of charge.