London Scottish opened the scores early on with their only points of the game. Logovi’i Mulipola was shown a yellow for a high tackle and the hosts exploited the overlap. They shipped the ball out wide to go over in the corner. 5-0

The Knights only stole one try back in the first half of the game. It was a quick reaction from George Roberts, who snatched an over-thrown Scottish line out and carried it over the line. Alex Dolly put the Knights in the lead with the conversion. 5-7

Despite there being no more tries in the first half, Doncaster showed glimpses of brilliant defence to keep the hosts out. The forwards pack worked really hard to win multiple penalties while mauling.

Rhys Tait showed fantastic work rate as he made a huge tackle, before hopping back up and turning the ball over at the next breakdown.

On the 40th minute, London Scottish attempted a penalty kick for three points but sent it wide. Half time score 5-7.

Doncaster lit up the second half almost instantly as Dolly put in a brilliant kick to touch, bringing the Knights into the 22.

Soon after, Russell Bennett perfectly timed his pop pass to open the gap for Adam Hopkinson. Allowing him to carry 20m and score under the posts. Dolly added the extras. 5-14. 

Will Parry showed his class in the next phase as he put boot to ball, pushing the Knights right up to the try line. He applied pressure on the kick return and prevented Scottish from exiting well. 

The Knights continued to attack from the line out and eventually Parry got himself on the score sheet. The ball was quickly moved out wide allowing the centre to dot down in the corner. Dolly slotted the kick from out wide. 5-21.

Morgan Strong is next over the whitewash as he picked the ball from the back of a breakdown and carried into space. A little side step opened the gap for him to go the rest of the way. Dolly added the extras again. 5-28. 

Cory Teague made a huge impact as his first touch was a fantastic line out steal. He followed it up with a try, showing great strength to drive over the line. Bennett switched to kicking duties and slotted the extra two. 5-35. 

Ben Chapman turned the ball over at the breakdown in the 79th minute, gifting the Knights one last chance to attack. Our new loan player Obi Ene then scored the final try as Bennett shipped the ball out to him. Ene showed brilliant pace to dot the ball down.

Bennett added one more conversion to finish the game 5-42. 

The Knights now turn their attention to another huge game – we are back at home to face Bedford Blues next week.

A special mention to the fans who have been superb the past two weeks. We need you again at Castle Park on Saturday! Grab your ticket now

All pictures by John Ashton (@ickledot) as usual! 

Doncaster Knights set out for revenge as they travel down to London Scottish this weekend. The chosen team for the test is as follows:

There are no changes to the forwards pack that defeated Ealing Trailfinders. Our props Logovi’i Mulipola and Joe Jones join hooker George Roberts after a Stella scrummaging show last week. Captain Ben Murphy and Josh Williams remain in the second row. With Adam Hopkinson, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong in the back row again. 

There are no changes to the forward replacements either, props Conor Davidson and Lewis Thiede line up with hooker Ben Chapman. Cory Teague and Archie Smeaton are also on the bench. 

Our starting half back pairing is the same, Alex Dolly and 9 and Morgan Bunting at 10. With the same duo on the bench, Ollie Fox and Russell Bennett. George Wacokecoke comes into the centres to partner Zach Kerr. 

Telusa Veainu keeps his spot at full back, with Maliq Holden on one wing. However, our newly announced loan signing Obi Ene slots into the other wing. Ene has joined us from Sale Sharks. 

Loan player Will Parry, who has returned from his Premiership Cup stint in Bath, comes onto the bench. 

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Obi Ene. 13, George Wacokecoke 12, Zach Kerr. 11, Maliq Holden. 10, Morgan Bunting. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Logovi’I Mulipola. 2, George Roberts. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Josh Williams. 6, Adam Hopkinson. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.

Replacements | 16, Ben Chapman. 17, Conor Davidson. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Cory Teague. 20, Archie Smeaton. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Russell Bennett . 23, Will Parry.

Unavailable For Selection | Thom Smith, Arthur Green, Harry Davey, Jordan Olowofela

Deadline to book: Tuesday 1^st April, 12pm

You are invited to join us for our 2nd TOSSERS Lunch of the season as we gear up to support the Doncaster Knights against Bedford Blues at Castle Park on Saturday, 5th April.

📅 Date: Saturday, 5th April, 2:30pm KO
📍 Location: Castle Park
🏉 Match: Doncaster Knights vs. Bedford Blues 

What’s included?

Our delicious Cow Pie, Chips & Mushy Peas

Cheeseboard to Follow

Player Q&A

Private Room & Bar (Woodside), Access from 12pm

Team Sheets

In case you didn’t know the TOSSERS, stands for The Other Sides Society Enthusiastic Rugby Supporters

Price: £22.50 (Match Ticket Not Included)

How to book: This can be booked via the club website https://www.drfc.co.uk/match-day-hospitality/ or calling the club on 01302 831388

PLEASE NOTE: You must have a match ticket for access. These are sold separately and can be purchased on the club website or at the ticket window on the day.

Looking forward to another great day with you all!

Doncaster Rugby Football Club acknowledges the outcome of the recent RFU vote, in which the main resolution was defeated by 206 votes in favour and 466 against.

While early indications suggested a significant level of support, it became clear throughout the RFU’s Bill Beaumont Roadshow and at the final meeting that a substantial number of Community Clubs (Level 3 and below) were persuaded to vote against the proposal. This shift appears largely due to the RFU’s commitment to conduct a full review of concerns raised during the consultation process and, notably, the proposed reinstatement of Regional Development Officers (RDOs)—a key issue voiced by many community representatives.

It is encouraging to note the recurring sentiment from both in-person discussions and online submissions that the RFU’s promises must now be subject to close scrutiny, with measurable outcomes expected by the time of the RFU’s AGM in July.

Regrettably, for Tier 2 and Championship clubs, there was no alteration in the RFU’s position on funding. The majority of clubs at this level, including Doncaster, voted in favour of the resolution in the hope of progress, yet the collective weight of Community Club votes ultimately determined the result.

Throughout the consultation process, Doncaster Rugby Football Club has consistently reiterated one key message:

“In February 2020, Championship clubs suffered a significant funding cut of approximately 50%, followed shortly thereafter by a further reduction of around £150,000 due to the impact of Covid-19. At the time, we were informed that this second reduction was being applied across the RFU personnel and would be reinstated post-pandemic.

It has since become evident that while RFU staff and other sectors have seen their funding restored, the Championship has not. This is a matter of principle, and we find it unacceptable.

We understand the RFU’s belief that the newly formed Tier 2/Championship Board will enhance the commercial viability of the league—a position we support. However, it is our firm view that any commercial growth should be used to address the original funding reduction. The reinstatement of Covid-related cuts is a separate issue that must be resolved on moral and equitable grounds”.

As such, while this matter was not resolved through the recent process, Doncaster Rugby Football Club will continue to pursue this issue directly with the RFU and its leadership.

—
Doncaster Rugby Football Club

Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that Winter, Obi Ene has joined us on loan from Premiership team, Sale Sharks. 

The  Knights are back at home on Saturday the 5th April to face Bedford Blues! Secure your ticket to see Obi and the team in action! 

Doncaster Knights produced a huge result at home as they defeated Ealing Trailfinders for the second time this season. 

For the first 20 minutes of the game, Doncaster were forced to defend as Ealing had the majority of the possession. The forwards were so crucial in keeping Ealing out as multiple scrum penalties allowed us to relieve pressure at key moments.

The pack also defended Ealing’s driving maul a handful of times, meaning the visitors settled for three points. 0-3.

It was half an hour into the game before Doncaster finally made their way into the 22 for the first time. Moments later, Morgan Bunting put in a perfectly placed cross field kick to Maliq Holden. Holden caught the ball and finished beautifully in the corner. Alex Dolly delivered a superb kick from out wide to add the extra two. 7-3

The visitors were straight back into attack and Doncaster continued to thrive in defence. Ealing eventually stole one back just before the half time whistle, as they moved the ball out to the wing and went over in the corner. They missed the conversion meaning it was a one point game at the break, 7-8. 

Morgan Bunting placed a great kick to touch that brought Donny up to the 5m line, before Logovi’i Mulipola showed brilliant strength to drive his way over. Dolly added the conversion again. 12-8.

Trailfinders managed to answer back almost instantly as a penalty gifted them entry into the 22, they then found the space to go over out wide again. 14-13. 

The next ten minutes was another massive defensive shift, with Josh Williams making a brilliant turnover at the line out, and Archie Smeaton stealing the ball at the breakdown. Alex Dolly then extended the lead with a penalty kick. 17-13.

In the 75th minute, Ealing snatched one final try as they gathered a dropped ball and shipped it out quickly. Tom Collins dotted it down in the corner but the conversion was missed, 17-18. 

Doncaster grafted to regain passion and Alex Dolly slotted one more kick, securing a 20-18 win. The scrum half was then named man of the match over the tannoy before intercepting Ealing’s pass and allowing Donny to take the ball into touch. Full time, 20-18. 

Post match, Joe Ford praised the forwards for a huge effort. Hear what he had to say: 

Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their Doncaster Knights to face Ealing in the return of Championship Rugby this weekend. 

It has been over a month since our last game, but our front row is unchanged from the Caldy fixture. George Roberts will be our hooker, next to loosehead Logovi’i Mulipola and tighthead Joe Jones. 

Josh Williams comes into the second row to join captain, Ben Murphy. Rhys Tait returns to the back row, shifting Morgan Strong back to eight and Adam Hopkinson to six. 

Ben Chapman is our hooker on the bench, with props Conor Davidson and Lewis Thiede also ready to swap in. Second row, Cory Teague and back row, Archie Smeaton also line up amongst the replacements.

Our half back pairing is unchanged as Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting claim the starting jerseys. However, Russell Bennett is set to make his return from an MCL injury as he is named on the bench!

Our reliable centre partnership of Connor Edwards and Zach Kerr remains the same. With Telusa Veainu returning to line up in the back three, with Semesa Rokoduguni and Maliq Holden on the wings.

Ollie Fox is our replacement scrum half, joined on the bench by another injury returner, George Wacokecoke. 

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Semesa Rokoduguni. 13, Zach Kerr. 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Maliq Holden. 10, Morgan Bunting. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Logovi’I Mulipola. 2, George Roberts. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Josh Williams. 6, Adam Hopkinson. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.

Replacements | 16, Ben Chapman. 17, Conor Davidson. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Cory Teague. 20, Archie Smeaton. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Russell Bennett . 23, George Wacokecoke.

Unavailable For Selection | Thom Smith, Arthur Green, Harry Davey, Jordan Olowofela

It is set to be a huge game as we won by one point earlier in the season. Every bit of support counts! Grab your tickets now and get behind the Knights!! TICKETS 

Here is your guide to Doncaster v Ealing, all the important information for Saturday’s game!

• 14:30 PM Kick-Off
• Saturday 22nd March
• Castle Park

Turnstiles open from 12:00!

Tickets: 

Tickets for the fixture are cheaper when purchased online, however can be bought from the ticket window on the day. 

The ticket window is located around the back of the Lloyd De Mulder stand.

U16s tickets are FREE but they must still get a ticket to get through the turnstiles. 

GET TICKETS

Turnstiles: 

We have now added turnstiles to the ground allowing easier and quicker match day access! It is as simple as scanning your ticket at the gate to trigger entry through the turnstile!

We have worked with the engineers to speed up the function of the turnstiles. To help with a smooth entry to the ground, where possible, please distribute e-tickets so that each fan has their own ticket on their own device. If this is not possible – please can the ticket holder scan everyone through before entering the ground last.

Parking:

Parking is available on site and operates on a first come, first serve basis. 

Parking is also available for £3 at Outwood Academy Danum, which is just a short walk away from the ground.

Food and Drink: 

We will have a variety of Food and Drink options available on match day. All bars will be open! 

BRAND NEW DONUTS! We have now started selling donuts on all of our bars! 

Our famous Cow Pie will be available at the Knights Fayre, along with a selection of other hot food. You can also purchase pasties and hot drinks at the end of the concourse bar.

CAM Coffee will be on site for hot drinks and you can purchase your sweet treats from the sweet van! 

Live Sport: 

We will be showing the following games in the concourse:

Ireland v France (Women’s Six Nations)

Saracens v Harlequins (Premiership)

Bristol v Exeter (Premiership)

Club Shop:

Club shop will be open from 12!

Back row, Morgan Strong previews this weekend’s home fixture against league leaders, Ealing Trailfinders. 

Our Saturday fixture against Ealing is the first game in over a month, Strong explained how the team have been preparing: 

“I think first of all, it’s quite nice to have a break sometimes. We’ve obviously played, so many games this season, I think up to 20 already, including pre season. So just to have a week off to let the body refresh, and mind refresh is good.” 

We’ve come back and been out hiking, lot’s of team bonding, a lot of hard work. We’ve kind of treated it as a mini pre-season, with a lot of like mentally challenging stuff.”

So, coming in with big rows, the S&C team have taken a big role over the last month. And I think after the last week of training, we’ve sort of come together nicely. We trained against Sale last Friday, had a good session and yeah, we feel like we’re in a good place, ready for Ealing on Saturday.” 

Strong highlighted the importance of maintaining the team’s bond across the game-less period: “It’s always really important. And, I think one thing from Doncaster this year, we’ve been really quite hot on that. In pre-season, there was a lot of stuff we did where we got off camp, to get out and build relationships.”

It’s quite easy to probably forget those relationships, when you’re not playing. I know it’s nearly the end of the season, but, you know, we’re still a new side that are coming together from other places. So all this team boding stuff, all the stuff we do outside of the club, it just adds towards us getting the results on the field.” 

The Knights have not played since the Premiership Cup. Strong said: “I feel like the cup in general has been huge for us this year, we should have beaten Newcastle in the first block, we should have beaten Sale at home. Got a good win away against Caldy which is never easy. And then you look at this block just gone, two really good wins.”

To nil Caldy at home and to beat Sale on TNT on a Friday night. You know, the first Doncaster side to ever beat a Premiership side it’s pretty special.” 

“I think we’ve really used the momentum of the Cup, I think that showed last time when we had Cambridge at home straight after the cup. It was a great performance and we’re looking to back up again with Ealing this weekend.” 

Doncaster defeated Ealing at their ground earlier in the season, by just one point. Strong explained what the team are expecting this weekend. 

“I think, like we said about us having a couple of weeks off, they’ve been playing against Premiership opposition and playing well. So we’re expecting, arguably our toughest test of the season this Saturday. But you know, we’re more than ready for the challenge and like I said the other day, they’re kind of the easiest team to get up for in the championship because you know that if you don’t turn up on the day, they’re a bloody good team.”

So for us this weekend, you know, we graft hard for 80 minutes, keep ourselves in the game and anything can happen. We’re really excited to welcome them here and we’re looking for a good result.” 

Strong shared how having the home fans behind us will impact the squad: “I spoke about it before this season, when when you’re driving into the ground and you see the home fans, dressed up in their Knights outfit, and all that, it goes a long way. To come out in front of your home fans, It’s always special. So hopefully we can get another W in front of our home fans and, you know ,really get our season up and running.” 

Secure your ticket now to get behind the Knights this weekend. BOOK NOW