Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the appointment of Forwards Coach Nathan Smith for the 2020/21 Season.

Smith arrives from Loughborough Students where he has held the post of Forwards Coach for the past two years; leading on the BUCS Super Rugby coaching and the Forwards play for the Men’s National 2 Rugby Programme.

Nathan has played a key role in the development of many talented, young players with several going on to reach the professional ranks, recent examples including Thibaut Flament (Toulouse) and Cameron Boon (Saracens).

The Leeds native becomes part of the Knights new-look coaching staff, alongside Backs Coach Joe Ford, under Head Coach Steve Boden and the boss says he is very happy to have acquired Nathan’s services.“Nathan is somebody I’ve worked closely with before, he fits what we are looking for this season in that he’s a young and ambitious coach that we see loads of potential in.

“His work ethic and attention to detail are very good and I know he will be a great asset for the Knights.”

Before moving to the Midlands Nathan held an assistant coaching position at Yorkshire Carnegie, working alongside Boden, and was also Head Coach at Ilkley RFC. He is also a former National League player and RFU Level 4 accredited coach, with a BSc in Sports Science from the University of Leeds.

Head Coach Steve Boden was at Castle Park this week for a meeting with his new-look Knights coaching staff. 

Though a start date for the 2020/21 season is still to be confirmed the boss was positive that the team would be back in to start preparations in the not too distant future.

Bodes, alongside Backs Coach Joe Ford, rounded off the day by taking the Under 15s for a training session as they looked to knock the dust off their boots following an extended period away from the field.

This weekend’s match day rewind comes almost a decade to the day after the fixture took place…though for Knights fans that still might not be long enough! 

Re-watch & remember this thrilling tie from Sixways against a Worcester squad packed with familiar names.

New boy Jack Davies popped down to Castle Park for a nosey around this week and answered a couple of quick questions about what he’s been up to since putting pen to paper for the Knights.

Standing at 6’5 & tipping the scales at 116KG, the Cardiff native cuts an imposing figure and is a man we are  exciting to see test himself in Donny colours next season.

Having signed from Bath Rugby, where he made a handful of first team appearances while studying at Bath Uni, the back-row discusses what he hopes to bring the party next term and his thoughts on being part of a new era at Castle Park.

New signing @Jackoo08 came for a look around @CastleParkDRFC this week & kindly stayed long enough to answer a couple of quick questions.

We REALLY hope that we'll be seeing Jack & his new teammates charging around on THAT pitch soon. 🤞 pic.twitter.com/4FeLvQTxC3

— Doncaster Knights 🏉- 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦 🏠 (@DoncasterKnight) September 18, 2020

Knights legend Colin Quigley fondly reflects on his favourite moments at Castle Park as it is announced he is leaving the Club ahead of the 2020/21 season.

Having returned to the Club in 2014, following a brief stint four years earlier, Colin Quigley has become synonymous with the Knights scrum as the Club’s mainstay tight head for the last six years; despite competition from some impressive talents.

The List, Hunter Quigs combo saw the Knights reach back to back play off appearances with a set piece respected throughout the league.

Colin is stepping away from the full time game & spoke to DKTV about a few of his favourite moments from the past six seasons.

Doncaster Knights can confirm that props James Wayland & Tom Hill will no longer join the club for the 2020/21 season.

22-year-old Aussie loose-head Wayland has suffered a severe hamstring tear while playing for Southern Districts in the Shute Shield & will be sidelined for several months.

The former Jersey Red will now complete his rehab back home in Sydney.

Though disappointed, Head Coach Steve Boden believes that it is the best choice for all parties.  “We arranged a specialist consultation for James & it revealed that his injury will require him to miss a considerable chunk of the season.

“I spoke to James at length and we have decided that the best decision is for him to fully recover at home. He is a talented young player with plenty of years ahead of him and we’ll keep a close eye on his progress once back to full fitness.

Kiwi prop Tom Hill will not link up with the team either as he has elected to stay home amidst uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

“Though it is disappointing to lose Tom for the upcoming season we respect his decision and will stay in close contact with him in case the global picture changes.

“We are now looking at a couple of different loose head options to bring in and will hopefully have some updates soon.

“We continue to hold productive conversations with RFU and are hoping for some positive news about the new season in the not too distant future”