Come along to Christmas at Castle Park!

Fancy a festive celebration at the home of Doncaster Knights Rugby? At Castle Park we have got parties and events to suit all budgets! 

Whether it’s for friends and family or for work colleges, we host shared or private parties with some fabulous package options. 

Attend one of our events…

The Bowkers Band & disco with two course meal:

Saturday 7th December

Friday 13th December

Party through the decades with two course chaffing buffet:

Saturday 14th December 

Friday 20th December

80’s & 90’s disco with chaffing buffet: 

Saturday 21st December 

OR

Book a private Christmas Party (minimum 80 people) 

We can help you celebrate in style at one of our spacious suites with either, a delicious two course plated meal for only £37 or a two course banquet buffet for just £32! 

Each party includes a DJ and a Disco so you can dance the night away as you truly get into the festive spirit. We will also have some fantastic deals on drinks! 

As part of our ‘Christmas spirit package’ for just £180 you can get…

  • 70cl Vodka
  • 70cl Gordons Gin
  • 2x 70cl Prosecco
  • 10x Sourz/Corky’s shots 
  • Unlimited lemonade/Pepsi

We also have a ‘Jolly Bottles’ deal where you can get 10 bottles of either, Desperado, Heineken or Old Mout cider for £40. Or, our ‘Mistletoe and wine’ package is £75 for four bottles of the house wine (White, Rose or Red). 

Castle Park is a brilliant and entertaining location to celebrate over the festive season. You can pre-order all of the above via event@castle-park.co.uk or 01302 831388.

 

Knights Pre-Season Schedule

Throughout August, Doncaster Knights will be taking part in a handful of activities to help them prepare for the start of the Championship season.

From 7th August to 10th August, the squad will be travelling down to Bury St Edmunds for a weekend-long training camp. During this time they will be working hard to improve their skills, fitness and the team’s chemistry. 

Bury St Edmunds will then return the journey to Castle Park on 23rd August, where the Knights will go head-to-head with Bury in an exciting Friday night fixture. Tickets for this game are heavily discounted and can be purchased here: https://www.drfc.co.uk/tickets/

If you wish to catch the Knights in action again after the friendly, you can come along to our FREE open training session on Thursday 29th August. Tickets for the open training session can be acquired via the ticket link above.
Everyone must get their tickets, despite your status of season ticket.

The Championship season will then begin on 21st September with the Knights facing Ampthill at Castle Park. To view the full fixture list see here.

Commercial | Clarks Vehicle Conversions signs 3 year partnership with the Knights

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce a three-year partnership with Clarks Vehicle Conversions, starting this season.

The multi-faceted agreement welcomes Clarks as our new Digital Matchday Partner and Match Highlights Partner. 

Alongside the agreement, Clarks have kindly supplied a bespoke “Kit Van” conversion, allowing the Knights to safely (and stylishly) transport equipment on away days and off-site training sessions. 

Doncaster Knights’ Head of Commercial, Tom Foy, had this to say about the new partnership:
“We are thrilled to partner with Clarks Vehicle Conversions. Their expertise and commitment to quality align perfectly with our values at Doncaster Knights. This partnership will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also strengthen our community ties. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”

Clarks Vehicle Conversions are specialist vehicle converters with 40 years of experience within their field. Clarks transform many different vehicles in innovative ways to produce their “Unapologetically Functional” conversions, including; Welfare VehiclesCrew Carriers and Racking Vans. Clarks pride themselves on Converting Vehicle Correctly (CVC) every time, as well as being the “Type Approval Experts”.

From their humble beginnings to becoming the leading Welfare conversion company in the UK, Clarks have always been Doncaster based and supported the local community. As such this new partnership with Doncaster Knights is a point of pride for both parties and Doncaster as a whole. 

Clarks’ Sales Director, David Chilvers, outlined his enthusiasm in the agreement stating:
“I am thrilled to announce our new sponsorship partnership with Doncaster Knights. This collaboration represents our commitment to supporting community initiatives and promoting sportsmanship. We believe in the power of teamwork, both on the field and in business, and are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will bring to our community.”

For more information about Clarks Vehicle Conversion and their range of vehicle conversion, please contact Sales Director, David Chilvers, by email at david.chilvers@cvcltd.co.uk or visit van-conversion.co.uk 

 

Knights 2024-25 League Fixtures Confirmed

Knights will begin the 2024-25 RFU Championship season at Castle Park as we host Ampthill on the opening day.

The league competition will be played over 22 rounds, beginning over the weekend of 20-22 September, with the final round scheduled for the weekend of 30 May-1 June next year. 

A two-leg play-off for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership will then take place on the weekends of 6-8 June and 13-15 June between the top placed team in the Championship (provided it meets the minimum standards criteria) and the last placed team in the Gallagher Premiership.

We will welcome the Bedfordshire side on the weekend of September 21 before a rare back-to-back home fixture vs Nottingham on the weekend of September 28.

Joe Ford & Sir Ian McGeechans’ side will host London Scottish on the weekend of October 12 at Castle Park, between two tough away trips. The first, to current league champions Ealing Trailfinders on October 5th and then Bedford Blues on October 19. 

Supporters will enjoy a festive trip to Penzance as the Knights take on Cornish Pirates on Sunday 22nd December at The Mennaye Field.

The Christmas period will see the Knights face Hartpury on December 28 as we welcome a home Christmas fixture for our supporters.

Another notable game, as we travel to championship newcomers, Chinnor on the weekend of December 7 and we welcome them to Castle Park later in the season on the weekend of April 19.

Our final home page of the season will be a tasty fixture vs the Pirates on the weekend of 24th May and the season will conclude with an away game at Ampthill.

The Cup competition will begin in November with the first games taking place over the weekend of 1-3 November, with further rounds in February, before the quarter finals (28 February-2 March), semi-finals (7-9 March) and the final over the weekend of 14-16 March. 

The fixture details for the Cup will be announced soon.

Championship Committee Chairman, Simon Halliday, said:

“The value of the Championship was clear for all to see last season. The quality of rugby played was exceptional, crowds were up, and they were hugely entertained by fast, open and positive play which was particularly evident in the Premiership Cup. The role of our league as a conveyor belt of talent for English rugby will continue to feature strongly as we build and invest in our competition through the development of a new league in 25/26.

“The idea of promotion and relegation is now a long-term reality after recent Council decisions and for the first time in some years there is the genuine chance for our clubs to challenge for the top table in English rugby. This brings equivalent excitement and jeopardy to the Premiership which we all desire and which is the lifeblood of any competition.

“I wish all 12 clubs the very best of luck for the coming season and I would particularly like to welcome Chinnor, who triumphed in a very competitive National One. I am certain they will bring fresh energy and talent to the Championship.

“In this transformational season, we all look forward to fierce clashes, close matches and excitement in every game, the length and breadth of England.”

Please note, fixtures are confirmed to be played the ‘weekend of’ as released but dates and KO times are TBC.

Click here for 2024-25 fixture list

The 2024/25 fixtures are as follows: 

 

Open Training Session | Powered by Future Ticketing

Doncaster Knights fans are invited to Castle Park on Thursday 29th August to watch the men’s first team train here at Castle Park. 

 

The club is hosting the event during the summer holidays to encourage families and junior fans to come meet their favourite players and get a behind the scenes look at preparations ahead of the new season.

Gates will open at 5:30pm and fans can access the ground via the turnstiles. Seating will be available in the De Mulder Lloyd Stand, not reserved. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the main bar concourse and knights fayre in the De Mulder Lloyd Stand. 

The training session will commence on pitch 1 at 6pm and will last approximately one hour.

The Knights players will be available to sign autographs and take photos at the end of the session.

After the session, all players and coaching staff will be in the concourse bar after to mingle with the fans. 

Parking will be available in the main car park, limestone and overflow on a first come first served basis. 

📆 Thursday 29th August
⏰ Gates Open at 5:30pm
🏟️ Pitch 1, Castle Park
🏰 De Mulder Lloyd Stand Open (Seating Unreserved)
🍻 Bar Open
🥧 Cow Pie

🎟️ 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐘 🎟️

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: www.drfc.co.uk/tickets

New Faces at Castle Park ⚔️

Joe Ford & Sir Ian McGeechan’s squad continue to be put through their paces at Castle Park as Semesa Rokoduguni & Logovi’i Mulipola join up with us for their pre-season testing. 

Tickets are now on sale for our pre-season friendly vs Bury St Edmunds on Friday 23rd August, 7:30 KO. Purchase your tickets online now, Tickets start from just £4 concessions, £6 Adults and U16 go free –https://www.drfc.co.uk/tickets/

 

 

Evan Anderson

Everyone at DRFC were saddened to hear the news of the peaceful passing of Knights Season Ticket holder, Evan John Anderson on 23rd June 2024 age 90, supported by his younger brother Hugh.
 
Evan, a former Councillor and Mayor of Tickhill Town Council was born in South Wales but became an adopted Yorkshireman when he moved to Tickhill in the 1960s where he and his beloved wife Gwladys made it their home.
 
Evan’s journey on the council began in the late 1960s/early 1970s when he was refused planning permission on his home on Walnut Ave. Wanting to make a difference in the place he called home, he joined the council and later became Mayor.
 
Evan was well respected in the Community of Tickhill and his time on the council spanned the period when Tickhill Urban District Council were taken over by Doncaster Council. Tickhill Town council send their condolences, Evan will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
 
Evans family would like to thank the many friends for all their kind messages and condolences and thank them for their friendship.
 
Evans funeral will take place on Wednesday 17th July at Rose Hill Crematorium at 12:00pm. Family flowers only please, donations gratefully received for Salvation Army and Marie Currie.
 
Photo courtesy of the family.

Executive Box Package Available

Are you a loyal Knights follower? Excited by the new signings? Want to enjoy the games with the hospitality perks for you and your company? Then read on and learn what you can enjoy with the Executive Box Package at Doncaster Knights for the 2024-25 season. 

Here at Doncaster Knights, we are offering the chance for your company to experience every home matchday with maximum enjoyment. With the opportunity of watching at least 15 home matches throughout the season, you can make the most of your time at Castle Park with luxury.

What you can expect in your package is a fully catered two-course meal, included with drinks service, a half-time sweet treat, complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day, and the choice of 2 bottles of wine or a bucket of beers.

You and your company will also have access to your own private balcony, included with padded seating, a matchday team sheet, four complimentary parking spaces and visits from players on the matchday.

Your company would not only benefit from these exclusive matchday perks, but you would also receive plenty of exposure both on and off the pitch with your company logo appearing on the digital matchday programme, the scoreboard before each game in a partners loop, pitch-side perimeter board and a board above your box.

Additional to this, your company have access to website and social media activity on request to promote your business and partnerships, and visits from two of our first team players for added promotion. As an additional ‘thank you’ for the purchase of this Executive Box Package, you will be gifted a signed framed shirt from one of our players, and four additional season tickets.

For more information and enquiries into the Executive Box Package, please contact Tom Foy (tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk) or Tracey Owen (towen@castle-park.co.uk).

Roko becomes a Knight

Doncaster Knights are delighted to welcome LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni for the 2024/25 season

Born in Nausori, Fiji, Semesa “Roko” Rokoduguni has always been a rugby enthusiast. He began his career in the Army, playing rugby at an amateur level before representing the Army’s rugby team on multiple occasions.

In 2012, at the age of 25, Roko signed a professional contract with Bath Rugby and stayed with the Premiership club for an amazing 10 seasons, playing 194 times for the club and scoring 71 tries. In 2022, he then moved to French D2 side, US Montauban, excited for a new challenge. Roko accumulated 45 appearances for Montauban, racking up 10 tries in the process.

While balancing his rugby with a career in the Army, Roko holds the rank of Lance Corporal and also served in Afghanistan. To top off an exciting life, Semesa also represented England on four occasions, scoring four times, with his debut being against the All Blacks in the 2014 Autumn Internationals.

Head coach, Joe Ford, is delighted with Roko’s arrival, stating how “his experience and knowledge of the game will certainly boost the squad both on and off the pitch. He’s an incredible player and we are so excited to introduce him to the rest of the boys.”

We look forward to Roko’s arrival at Castle Park, and hope he has a successful and impactful season.

Roko is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk or Tracey Owen at towen@castle-park.co.uk

Sam Olver joins Wall of Centurions

A new Knight has been inducted onto the Centurions Wall at Castle Park, as last season, fly-half Sam Olver made his 102nd appearance on his final game for Doncaster against Hartpury.

Sam joins the likes of Paul Jarvis, Bevan Armitage, Steve Boden, Chris Hallam and many more. As shown on the displayed photos, Sam fits onto the wall very well and will be remembered for years to come.

Sam racked up 5 tries, 121 conversions, 80 penalties and a drop-goal during his time at the Knights, totalling 507 points in his 6 seasons. Olver also had an impressive win percentage of 62%.

We wish Sam all the best in his future endeavours.

Doncaster Knights’ first pre-season game announced

Doncaster Knights will face Bury St. Edmunds on Friday 23rd August for a 7:30pm kick-off at Castle Park.

This will be the Knights’ first run out of the 2024/25 campaign, allowing Head Coach, Joe Ford, to trial all new signings and current squad members into the system, and give him an early indication for the season of how the team works together.

Ford had this to say about the fixture:

“Bury are one of the strongest teams in National 2 East, my youngest brother Jacob is doing a brilliant job down there. It will be a great opportunity for a mix of our senior squad, development players and academy to get their first run out of the season.

It will be exciting to get back out at Castle Park in front of our fans giving them all the opportunity to meet our new players for the first time. We can’t wait to see you all again soon.”

You can purchase tickets for the game now, by clicking this link. Prices for adults start from £6, with under 16s going free.

This will also be the first opportunity for fans to see the new 150th Anniversary kit, created and designed by SAMURAI.

For all season ticket holders, your ticket will be valid for this pre-season friendly. Not got yours yet? Buy now here!

DEADLINE FOR TICKETS IS FRIDAY 16th AUGUST