Doncaster Knights and Doncaster Racecourse Form Partnership

Two of the best venues in Doncaster have joined together in partnership to provide fantastic opportunities for loyal supporters.

Doncaster Knights have entered a partnership with Doncaster Racecourse which will see Knights season ticket holders provided with one free race day at Doncaster races each year.

In addition to this, every Knights season ticket older will be afforded free entry to the UB40 Races on Friday, June 30.

Supporters should check their emails now for a promo code which will grant them 2 free tickets per person when booking on the Doncaster Racecourse website, HERE.

In return, we look forward to welcoming Doncaster Racecourse annual members to a match at Castle Park during the 2023/24 season.

Knights Sign Loosehead Prop Harrison Courtney

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of loosehead prop Harrison Courtney ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Harrison joins Doncaster Knights from Scottish United Rugby Championship [URC] side Edinburgh.

Discussing Harrison’s signing for the Knights, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “Really pleased Harrison has joined us at Castle Park. We feel he’s got a lot of growth in his game – he’s probably got a bit of work to do around his set-piece.

“He’s very mobile. We spoke to some of the Edinburgh coaches, they spoke very highly of him, and we feel like he’s got the right attitude to potentially progress in the right environment – and we feel like that could be here at Doncaster.

“We’re looking forward to seeing competition in the squad and seeing how he pushes to try to get some regular rugby.”

The New Zealander, who grew up in Hamilton, is a product of Hamilton Boys’ High School’s First XV – a team which he captained in his youth. Additionally, he played in the Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational event in Japan.

Following his school days, Harrison gained a scholarship to Lincoln University in Christchurch before going on to be involved with Canterbury throughout the 2019 season – playing against Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup Semi-Final.

The prop then headed to the northern hemisphere as he joined Edinburgh on a partnership deal with Super6 side Watsonians in the summer of 2021. Debuting at Rodney Parade on the road to Dragons in November 2021, Harrison went on to make a further 8 appearances for the Scottish capital side.

The 26-year-old front rower is keen to learn and develop his skills in the Knights environment.

“I really wanted to sign with the Knights as they’re one of the top Championship sides and I think there’s a lot of potential in the team for growth.

“I also knew signing with the Knights would help me improve hugely at set-piece particularly at scrum time, which really excites me.”

We look forward to seeing what Harrison can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Harrison is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email l.higgins@castle-park.co.uk for more information.

Join the Team – Sales Executive

The club is offering an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Sales Executive, full-time.

This role will see the individual chosen be a key part of the commercial team delivering our sponsorship and hospitality sales strategy.

The candidate will be required to have a flexible approach to working hours, including matchdays; events, evenings, weekends, and such hours as necessary.

The role will be office based at Doncaster Knights Rugby Club, Armthorpe, Doncaster.

Read the full job description HERE.

To apply for this role, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to Emma White at ewhite@castle-park.co.uk

Please note, there is no closing date for this role and the vacancy will close once the appropriate candidate has been identified.

Knights Sign Back Row Seb Nagle-Taylor

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of back row Seb Nagle-Taylor ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Seb joins Doncaster Knights from Championship rivals Cornish Pirates whom he joined ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Discussing Seb’s signing at Castle Park, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re happy that Seb has come on board. A couple of guys that have been in our environment already know Seb and they speak very highly of him as a person which is probably one of the most important parts in recruitment.

“He’s experienced – he’s played in the league before – so he can bring that experience to our forward pack. He probably offers something a little bit different to what the rest of our back rowers do. He’s very explosive, got a lot of pace and is very good with the ball in hand.

“So, we’re looking forward to seeing Seb integrate with the squad and see how his rugby progresses off the back of that.”

Born in Winchester but spending his childhood in Hong Kong, Seb first played for Valley RFC Academy at age 9 before going on to captain Eastbourne College’s First XV and 7s team.

Developing with game-time, the pack member gained representative honours for England County U20s, England Students and England 7s.

In terms of Championship experience, the 29-year-old has represented Bedford Blues, Jersey Reds, Rotherham Titans and Hartpury prior to his time at Cornish Pirates, so he is well-versed with the requirements of playing in the league.

As a result of his time with Hartpury, Seb was loaned to Gloucester throughout 2020/21 leading to him officially signing with the Premiership club for 2021/22.

The powerful forward is raring to go in the Knights environment with a helpful head start of already knowing a couple of his new teammates.

“Doncaster Knights have developed an exciting style of play over the last few seasons which was definitely something that drew me to the club. In addition to that, the facilities are one of, if not the, best in the in league.

“Fortunately, I already knew a few lads up here which has made for a smooth transition and a warm welcome.”

We look forward to seeing what Seb can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Seb is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email l.higgins@castle-park.co.uk for more information.

Knights Sign Back Row Jack Digby

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of back row Jack Digby ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Jack arrives in Doncaster from current Championship Cup holders Ealing Trailfinders, whom he originally joined in 2021.

Discussing Jack’s switch to the Knights, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re really happy that Jack has come on board. We feel like he’s got a lot of growth to come in his game and we’re excited to see him grow in a Doncaster shirt.

“He’s a big man that’s strong in the collision on both sides of the ball. We know a couple of people that know Jack and they speak very highly of him as a person, so we’re excited to see him run out for the Knights and see how he fits in with the rest of the boys.”                                 

Jack, who was originally born in London but grew up in Australia, scored 5 tries in his 2 seasons with the Trailfinders in the capital.

Before making the switch to England and the Championship, the 26-year-old played for Sydney Rays in the National Rugby Championship as well as Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield competition out in Oz.

With an ability to play at blindside flanker or number 8, Jack will provide some sought-after selection competition in the Knights back row.

The Aussie back rower is looking forward to immersing himself in a rugby environment which will best suit his abilities and seeing what the squad can produce as a unit.

“I was drawn to signing for Doncaster Knights due to a style of rugby that suits my physicality, and the chance to really develop behind top class coaches.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how close we can get as a group and how successful we can be.”

We look forward to seeing what Jack can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Jack is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email l.higgins@castle-park.co.uk for more information.

AJ Cant BBC Radio Sheffield Interview

AJ Cant was interviewed by BBC Radio Sheffield’s “Sport Heaven” programme yesterday.

If you didn’t manage to listen to the interview yesterday evening, then you can catch up on what AJ had to say HERE.

He chatted all about his decision to move out of Cornwall, why he decided the Knights would be the right fit for him in his career and how his first week as a Knight has been so far.

Supporters Coach for Pre-Season RGC 1404 Clash

We are pleased to announce there will be a supporters coach for our pre-season friendly against RGC 1404 in Wales.

The game will take place on Saturday, August 19 for a 5:15pm KO.

The bus will depart Buckley’s depot at 10am with pick-ups in Branton, Cantley and Armthorpe before arriving at Castle Park at 10:30am.

There will then be one additional pick-up at the Winning Post on Balby Road before heading to Wales.

The coach will leave to return to Doncaster 15 minutes post-match.

The cost of the trip will be £30 per adult, though if numbers are high this could reduce to £25.

Please contact John Lowe to book your seat on 07977112706.

Knights Sign Back Row Fyn Brown

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of back row Fyn Brown ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Fyn makes the switch to Castle Park from Dillingham Park ahead of the 2022/23 season having joined Championship opposition Ampthill from dismantled Premiership side, Wasps.

Discussing Fyn’s move to the Knights, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re really excited about Fyn as a Knight. He came highly recommended by a couple of people that I’ve worked with in the past.

“He’s a young back rower with a long way to go in his career but we see really good foundations and building blocks with raw materials to work with.

“He’s a big man – he’s good on the ball, very good athletically in the lineout and extremely abrasive around the field for a 20-year-old back rower. We’re excited to see him progress. We feel like he’s got the attributes to kick-on and play at the highest level if he puts the work in and has got the right attitude.”

Fyn signed for former Premiership outfit Wasps straight from school, making his debut for the storied side at just 18 when he came off the bench against Leicester Tigers.

To facilitate more game time, the youngster was put on loan to Birmingham Moseley in his first year at Wasps before returning to his home club to compete in the Premiership Cup campaign.

Following the well-covered issues which saw Wasps cease to be, Fyn signed for Ampthill in November 2022, going on to make 18 appearances in the Championship for the side.

The young forward is looking forward to making the most of the Doncaster environment to help inspire further development of his skills.

“Having signed for the Knights, I want to push on in my rugby career and I felt like the coaches, facilities and the ambition of the Knights made signing here an easy decision to make.

“I’m hoping to continue developing in the environment and try to add as much to the team as I can.”

We look forward to seeing what Fyn can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Fyn is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email l.higgins@castle-park.co.uk for more information.

Knights Sign Full Back AJ Cant

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of full back AJ Cant ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

AJ joins the Knights from fellow Championship side, Cornish Pirates, whom he has played for since debuting for them against Exeter Chiefs in a pre-season friendly in 2017.

Discussing AJ’s signing, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re really happy that AJ has come on board with us. We feel that he was one of the standout performers in the Championship last season and he offers great competition to our back three.

“He’s got a really strong running game and a left boot which is really handy to have, to be able to kick to both sides of the pitch.

“He’s ambitious, wants to kick-on with his rugby career. He’s decided to move north away from the home comforts of Cornwall, which is testament to him and his ambition to want to progress and test himself in a different environment.

“We’re really excited to see how he goes in a Doncaster shirt. We’ve spoken to a few people who know him really well, and they spoke highly of his character, so we’re excited to have him add to our environment.”

Born in Truro, AJ first played rugby for Perranporth at age 6, going on to represent Cornwall U15/16s and feature for Truro College at the Japan World Sanix Tournament in 2016.

During an apprenticeship with Exeter Chiefs, AJ ran out for the Premiership club at U18s level before turning his focus to Cornish Pirates, being named the Championship club’s most improved player at their 2018/19 awards.

The 24-year-old Cornishman arrives at Castle Park looking to spread his wings from home and challenge himself in a new rugby environment with the Knights.

“I’m really hoping to push on with my rugby and I felt that moving away from Cornwall and to the Knights was the right way to do that.

“We’ve got a really exciting back line that I’m looking forward to being a part of. Having already known a few lads up here it makes the transition a lot easier as well, but everyone has been so welcoming – from coaches and staff through to players.

“I’m excited to get into pre-season and can’t wait for the season ahead.”

We look forward to seeing what AJ can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

AJ will be sponsored by AGM Safety for the duration of the 2023/24 season – find out more about the business HERE.

Knights Sign Back Row Harry Wilson

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of back row Harry Wilson ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Harry joins the Knights from Championship competition, Ampthill, having originally signed at Dillingham Park ahead of the 2022/23 season.

Discussing Harry’s becoming a Knight, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re really excited that Harry has chosen to progress his career with Doncaster. We’ve kept an eye on Harry since he started playing in the Championship with London Scottish.

“We feel like he’s got a lot of raw potential. He’s a big man, abrasive in the collision and he’s got a good skillset for a big man. So, we’re really excited to see him kick-on.

“We feel he’s got the attributes to play at the highest level and we’ll see how he fits in to our environment. He knows a few of our guys already, and they spoke well of him as a person, which makes it a seamless transition for him coming in.”

Harry’s Championship experience, alongside his time as an Ampthill forward, includes a short spell with London Scottish as well as time with Hartpury. The latter was familiar surroundings for the back rower who had been a part of the University’s BUCS set up – winning the title 3 years in a row, and in his last year doing so as captain.

Prior to his time at the Alpas Arena, Harry spent 2 years developing his skills as a member of Gloucester’s senior Academy.

The 26-year-old forward makes the switch to Castle Park after hearing positive things about the rugby set-up which he will now look to test himself in.

“Signing for Doncaster Knights is a real privilege. After speaking to Bodes and a few players, I found out very quickly how impressive the programme is and that there is real ambition.

“I’m looking forward to representing the club and making sure we’re as successful as possible.”

We look forward to seeing what Harry can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Harry is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email l.higgins@castle-park.co.uk for more information.