We are delighted to announce our latest signing today as second row Ed Falkingham joins from Yorkshire outfit Hull Ionians.

Ed has been a standout performer in National One this season making 26-appearances including three Man of the Match performances.

The 22-year-old was included in the Yorkshire senior squad that recently faced Lancashire and Eastern Counties, playing alongside former Knights such as Joe Bedford and Ali Thomson.

Prior to joining Ionians Ed competed for Southern Districts in the prolific New South Wales Shute Shield competition having learnt the game in the ranks of North East Division One outfit Driffield and at Pocklington School.

Ed takes the total number of new signings at Castle Park to six ahead of the 2016/17 season.

Watch below as Director of Rugby Clive Griffiths comments on the signing of the imposing young lock forward.

 

You can now buy your 2016/17 season ticket and take advantage of early bird savings.

Following the most successful season in Doncaster RFC’s history we look forward to building into what promises to be an exciting 2016/17.

Record crowds flooded to Castle Park in 2016 as the Knights finished runners up in the Greene King IPA Championship; concluding in a memorable victory over eventual Champions Bristol at a sold out Ashton Gate.

We now look ahead to a thrilling new season of Championship action and fans can purchase 2016/17 Season Tickets from today. You can get yours either by calling 01302 831388 or popping into Castle Park, Monday-Friday (9am-5pm).

Once again, we are offering significant savings for those who purchase their Season Ticket early with our Early Bird offer. In addition to the savings Early Birds can opt to split the total cost of their tickets over three monthly installments so be sure to purchase your ticket before the Early Bird deadline on June 30^th.

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
• Right to enter ballot for International Ticket allocations after two full seasons or more of continuous Club Membership.
• 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 electronical communication from the Club.
• Guaranteed entry into all home league, cup (pool) and a minimum of 1 friendly game
• Guarantee your seat in The De Mulder Lloyd Stand (where applicable)
• 10% discount in the Club Shop

 Season ticket T&Cs

ST price structure & application form

Relive all of Wednesday night’s drama & check out our complete photo album on Facebook. 

Check out all of John Ashton’s shots here – Championship playoff final: Bristol 32-34 Doncaster Knights.

The Knights have confirmed an exciting pre-season fixture with Northern Premiership heavyweights Newcastle Falcons.

The fixture will form half of a double header of friendlies on Saturday August 13 at Kingston Park Stadium with both the Knights and Rotherham Titans locking horns with Dean Richards men.

The games will kick off at 2pm and 4.30pm (order of matches TBC).

Tickets for the game will go on sale shortly, entry for adults and concessions priced £20 for premium seating and £10 for standard seating, while all under-16s tickets are priced just £5.

We are delighted to announce the signing of hooker Harry Allen from current Championship rivals London Welsh.

Harry arrives at Castle Park having been a pivotal part of an Exiles side that finished fifth in the league this season as well as lifting the British and Irish Cup.

The 24-year-old made 19 appearances in 2015/16 having joined Welsh from London Irish last may after a year out of the game.

Allen has significant top-flight experience having began his career in the academy of European Champions Saracens, making his Premiership debut against Leicester Tigers in September 2011 before switching to the Harlequins Academy for 2012/13.

In total, Harry has made five Premiership appearances and also picked up age grade international honours with England at U16.

Commenting on his move to Castle Park Harry said. “Joining Doncaster is a really exiting opportunity for me which I feel gives me the platform to kick on and further my career”  

“It’s a really exciting time to be a Doncaster Knights’ player with the team performing so well in the league and with the Club putting in developments to be a force for the foreseeable future”

Here is what Clive has to say about the Knights latest signing.

Today we announce that Skill and Backs Coach Paul Cooke will be leaving the Club after three seasons at Castle Park.

The former Super League star began work at the Knights in the 2013/14 season under Clive’s stewardship but will now return to the 13-a-side code with Leigh Centurions.  

 

Speaking on his departure Paul said. “Firstly, I’d like to thank Clive Griffiths for the last three years’ of guidance under his expert stewardship at Doncaster Knights.

 

“I have learned some valuable lessons in coaching and managing professional players from, in my opinion, one of the best coaches around in ether code of rugby.

 

“His passion, commitment, energy and meticulous planning year on year has been a real lesson in the success and building of his dynasty.

 

“To the other coaches, in-particular Glen Kenworthy, staff (on and off the field) and particularly the benefactors Tony De Mulder and Steve Lloyd I want to say thank you for the opportunity to be a part of and coach at such a great club.

 

“The players are a joy to work with, they are the real success of 2015/16 and long may that continue. I have met some friends for life and will always cherish my memories.

 

“I wish Clive, Glen, the coaches, staff and everyone at the Knights all the very best in 2016/17 and beyond, I’ll certainly be back to enjoy some games as a knights fan!

 

“Right now I feel the time is right to make the move back into Rugby League.

 

“As everyone knows I have been involved in Rugby League all of my career and I feel the opportunity to join Leigh Centurions as an assistant coach and help the push towards the Super League is an opportunity that I feel is just too good for me to turn down.”

 

Commenting on Paul’s move Clive Griffiths added. “We will be sad to see Cookie leave Castle Park but the lure of his first love, rugby league, was always going to be a major factor on his future coaching career and pathway.

 

“The opportunity to rekindle his league career at Leigh Centurions was an offer that he could not really refuse and whilst I am sorry to see him leave our tight coaching team, I fully understand the logic behind his decision. He also departs to a club with great history, tradition and Super League ambitions.

 

“Paul quickly got to grips with the complexities of the union code and had grown into a fine Backs and Skills Coach. He has been great for us over the last three seasons and we will miss his rugby knowledge, input and personality. The search now goes ahead for a quality replacement.

 

“On behalf of everyone associated with Doncaster Knights I would like to thank Cookie for his professional contribution and friendship over the last three seasons and we wish him every success in the future.” 

On the day before the Knights final game of the season we are delighted to announce that standoff Si Humberstone has recommitted for the 2016/17 campaign.

The outside half arrived at Castle Park last summer from Cardiff Blues and has impressed despite an injury affected season.

Simon made an unlucky start to life as a Knight picking up a shoulder injury in the first game of pre-season away at Hull RUFC. This kept the 28-year-old out until December when he appeared from the bench in the 49-17 win away versus Newport Gwent Dragons Premiership Select XV.

Humberstone featured in the first eight games of 2016 including both derby victories over Rotherham Titans and Yorkshire Carnegie, scoring an all-important try versus Carnegie at Castle Park. However, a complication with his shoulder rehab cut Simon’s season short but he is now on the road to recovery and looking forward to the 2016/17 campaign.

Watch Si’s reaction to re-signing on Instagram.

Check out Si’s try versus Carnegie on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

The Doncaster Knights squad to take to the field for tomorrow’s Championship final second leg has been named. 

Once again, the playing staff keep faith with the vast majority of the squad that took to the field in the previous three play-off encounters.

The Knights back line is unchanged with Irishmen Michael Heaney and Dec Cusack lining up in the half backs. Will Hurrell will look to make it four tries in as many games starting at inside centre alongside Mat Clark with Tyson Lewis and Andy Bulumakau on the wings. Paul Jarvis starts a full back to complete the back division.

Upfront it is business as usual in the tight five with the sole change to the XV coming in the back row.

Ollie Stedman starts in what will be his final game for the club before moving to Yorkshire Carnegie in the summer at number eight. Stedman’s selection sees Alex Shaw switch to blindside flanker with skipper Michael Hills continuing at open side and Latu Makaafi dropping to the bench.

Vili Veikoso, WillGriff John and Joe Sproston provide front row cover with Glen Young, Dougie Flockhart and Brad Field all hoping to make an impact from the bench.

Kick off tomorrow is at 19:45, remember if you are unable to make the trip to Ashton Gate that the game will be shown live in the Arms Park suite of the Clubhouse.

Knights XV; 15) Paul Jarvis, 14) Andy Bulumakau, 13) Mat Clark, 12) Will Hurrell, 11) Tyson Lewis, 10) Dec Cusack, 9) Michael Heaney, 1) Richard List, 2) Ben Hunter, 3) Colin Quigley, 4) Matt Challinor, 5) Jon Phelan, 6) Alex Shaw, 7) Michael Hills (C), 8) Ollie Stedman

Replacements; 16) Vili Veikoso, 17) Joe Sproston, 18) WillGriff John, 19) Glen Young, 20) Latu Makaafi, 21) Dougie Flockhart, 22) Brad Field.

#COYK

With this season’s Championship finale between the Knights and Bristol now completely sold out we will be screening the playoff final second leg at Castle Park in the Arms Park Suite of the Clubhouse.

If you didn’t get a ticket for the final or are unable to travel down to Ashton Gate on Wednesday evening, support the boys from home on the Arms Park big screen. The bar will be fully stocked and the catering team will be selling a range of refreshments.

Kick off for the game is 19:45 and the bar will be open from 19:00. The best way to support the Knights from home.

Castle Park’s Commercial Manager Kris Turner-West is going to represent the Knights in the sporting arena this weekend as he competes for ‘Team van Steen’ in the Doncaster Business Cup tomorrow (KO 12noon).

The Doncaster Business Cup takes place annually as local businesses come together to play in a charity football match at the Keepmoat Stadium. Each business contributes £250 to take part, with the proceeds going to a variety of charities which this year include; Firefly Cancer Awareness, Bluebell Wood and Aurora Wellbeing.

To raise the £250 entry Kris held a raffle at Castle Park ahead of the playoff final first leg against Bristol and the winning tickets are below. All winners will be contacted individually.

1. A night’s stay for two at ‘The Crown hotel Bawtry’ (Includes a bottle of prosecco and a full Yorkshire breakfast) – Yellow 61-65

2. Two places to a pre-match meal of your choice next season – Yellow 191-195

3. Signed Doncaster Knights Flag – Green 56-61

4. Signed Doncaster Knights playoff t-shirt – Green 291-295

5. Knights Family Ticket to any regular fixture during the 2016/17 campaign – Green 471-475

6. Bottle of Castle Park win – Green 171-75

7. Box of Thorntons chocolates – Green 41-45

8. Signed Doncaster Knights ball – Green 456-460 

Kris would like to say a huge to everyone who bought tickets and donated.