Doncaster Knights battle hard in Bedford but come away with just a losing bonus point after a 36-32 defeat. 

Ryan Olowofela opened the scores early on as the forwards perfectly executed the line out and moved the ball to Jasper McGuire. McGuire popped the ball backwards and the backs opened up the gap for Olowofela to fly through. Bennett added the extras. 0-3. 

Moments later the Knights extended their lead as Bedford are penalised for not rolling away at the breakdown. Bennett comfortably slotted the three, 0-10. 

The hosts’ poor discipline continued as another penalty meant Bennett could kick the Knights into the 22. The ball is stretched out wide and Rokoduguni carried hard up the wing, bumping off multiple blues on his way. Telusa Veainu received the pass before drawing in the final defender and offloading back inside to a supporting Ollie Fox. 0-15. 

Bedford worked their way into the opposition half, and the Knights did a good job of defending their maul on the line. As a result the hosts were forced to ship the ball out to the backs, and Dean Adamson sliced through a gap to go over. Conversion added. 7-15. 

A yellow card for the Knights then caused a big momentum shift as Bedford claimed three tries in quick succession. Using the overlap to their advantage, the first two tries came from the back line shipping the ball between them, with the final try before half time a result of an Adamson chip and chase. 

Two out of the three tries were converted, meaning the half time score was 26-15. 

The Knights were quick out the blocks in the second half. A perfectly executed line out led to George Roberts driving his way over the line. 26-20. 

Joe Margetts, Telusa Veainu and Ollie Fox moved the ball nicely between themselves to bring the Knights up to the 22. The Knights then began chipping away at the try line to look for another score. Bennett was the man to finish the job as he carried hard into contact and stretched the ball over the line. He added the extras to his own score. 26-25. 

Doncaster looked bright as they made their way straight back down to the try line, but just as they looked to be heading for another score, Bedford intercepted the ball to go the full length. Conversion successful, 36-27. 

Rokoduguni turned the ball over at the breakdown to give Doncaster one final chance to attack. Zach Kerr then showed fantastic pace and skill with a real solo effort up the pitch. He swerved round a handful of Bedford players to bring Donny close to the line before finding Ben Chapman out wide. Chapman finished the job in the corner. 

Full time score 36-32.

The Knights now turn their attention to a Friday night at castle Park where we face Chinnor. 

Secure your tickets now!

Doncaster Knights players were joined by representatives from Support Dogs on Thursday 30th October.

Knights were joined by guest speaker Tess Thompson, alongside dog handler Trevor and special guest trainee support dog Lilly.

The event was organised by the Knights Rotary Club, a charity set up to support local causes and build business relationships across Doncaster. The rotary club regularly organise fundraisers that support our own Doncaster Knights Foundation, as well as undertaking various business visits and other initiatives. The Support Dogs is the chosen charity for the Knights Rotary Club for the 2025 calendar year.

Support Dogs is a charity training autism assistance dogs, epilepsy seizure alert dogs and disability assistance dogs for those affected by a wide range of physical conditions including MS, Cerebral Palsy, fibromyalgia, and more.

For more information about Support Dogs click here.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to travel to Bedford tomorrow night. 

Minimal changes to the squad this week, particularly with the starting forwards pack. Ehize Ehizode returns to the starting team to replace Josh Williams, who shifts to the bench. Our front row remains the same, Conor Davidson, George Roberts and Joe Jones. 

Morgan Jones is the second row beside Ehizode, with Rhys Tait, Ben Murphy (C) and Jasper McGuire the back row behind them. 

Ben Chapman keeps the replacement hooker shirt after making a big impact last week against Worcester. Andrew Turner and Logovi’i Mulipola remain the replacement props with East Timor Viliamu returning to the squad to cover the back row. 

Our half backs remain unchanged as Ollie Fox and Russell Bennett wear 9 and 10. The centre partnership also stays the same, Connor Edwards and Zach Kerr. 

The only change in the back three is a straight swap of the twins – Ryan Olowofela comes in to replace Jordan Olowofela at 11. Linking up with Telusa Veainu at full back and Semesa Rokoduguni on the other wing. 

Will Wootton and Morgan Bunting are the replacement half backs, with Joe Margetts the utility back on the bench. 

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson, 2. George Roberts, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ehize Ehizode, 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Ben Murphy, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Ollie Fox. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Ryan Olowofela, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Zach Kerr, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Logovi’i Mulipola, 19. Josh Williams, 20. East Timor Viliamu, 21. Will Wootton, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Joe Margetts.  

Unavailable for selection: Alex Dolly, Thom Smith, Adam Hopkinson, Josh Bainbridge

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the continued support of sponsorship from CopyPrintScan (CPS).

Copy Print Scan is a leading printer company based in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire and established in 1998, they have designed tailor-made bespoke packages for hundreds of companies in a range of industries such as education, health and sport. This season, CPS are continuing support with the club through their supply of photocopiers and also are advertising their brand on the sleeves of the home and away kits.

Through the renewed sponsorship, Copy Print Scan are demonstrating their commitments to supporting Doncaster Knights’ ambitions and further aiding the club’s presence in the community.

Andrew Thompson, Sales Director, has expressed his delight at the agreement stating: “We are delighted to extend our sponsorship of Doncaster Knights having been involved for over five years. We are proud to be one of the longest standing supporters of such a brilliant and developing club. It is an important sponsorship deal for us. Rugby is a unique industry with a brilliant community feel.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial, expressed her joy in the partnership saying “the club are delighted to extend the partnership with Copy Print Scan this season who are a well established supplier of printers and photocopiers. With their interest in rugby, business and the local community their shirt sleeve sponsorship is the perfect way for them to showcase their brand. We look forward to welcoming them to games to entertain their clients during the 2025-26 season.”

Doncaster Knights and Copy Print Scan share in the enthusiasm of an ongoing contract and hope that the club’s 2025/26 campaign can be one of success for both parties involved. To learn more about what Copy Print Scan have to offer, you can read more on their website for all your printer needs.

To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen on telephone 01302 831388 or email [email protected].

While it may only be October, it is only six weeks until Doncaster Knights’ Christmas Lunch!

Prelude your Christmas Rugby action with a Christmas Lunch, Mince Pies and all the trimmings.

Get fascinating player insight in the Player Q&A, gain access to team sheets, complimentary access to the match programme and much more.

📍 Arms Park
🗓️ Saturday 13th December
🏉 Knights vs Ampthill Rugby

Enjoy the final home fixture of 2025 in style with this offering.

Book now at https://www.drfc.co.uk/match-day-hospitality/

Date: Tuesday 11th of November

The club’s annual AGM will take place this November. ALL season ticket holders and club members are invited to attend. 

It will begin at 7pm in the club’s Albemarle Suite in the De Mulder Lloyd Stand at Castle Park. 

Parking on site is available! 

Download the Doncaster Knights 2025 Audit Resolution.

You must RSVP to attend. RSVP or Apologies email to [email protected]

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) can today confirm the England U19 Men’s side will face France U19 next spring at Castle Park, Doncaster, with tickets on sale now.  

The Men’s Pathway sides meet in Yorkshire on Saturday 4th April 2026 (14:00 BST kick-off) at the home of CHAMP Rugby club Doncaster Knights. The venue previously hosted England vs. France at U19 level in 2024, the former losing in a 24-21 narrow defeat.  

The U19 Men’s side serves as an avenue for England Rugby pathway players to develop their skillsets with meaningful gametime on the international circuit, with fixtures also giving valuable minutes to players then eligible for selection in the forthcoming World Rugby U20 Championship. 

England defeated Scotland and Japan in home encounters this year before a reverse away to France, with players such as Noah Caluori, Will Knight, Jonny Weimann, Ollie Streeter, Aidan Ainsworth-Cave, Connor Treacey, Tyler Offiah, Oli Scola, Seb Kelly and Nick Lilley going on to earn their U20 debuts or add to their caps this summer. 

The U19 Men’s side will be supported by a combination of England Rugby Men’s Pathway staff and guest coaches to enrich learning experiences and maximise development opportunities for players and staff. Confirmation of staffing will follow in due course. 

Doncaster Knights boast previously capped pathway players in their 2025/26 squad, including Josh Bainbridge, Oliver Fox, Morgan Jones, Jordan Olowofela, Andrew Turner and Jordan Williams, as well as former senior men’s representative Semesa Rokoduguni. 

England U19 Men will also face Wales in the side’s first encounter of the campaign on Friday 19th December in Ystrad Mynach. Further information on future U19 Men’s fixtures will be communicated in due course. 

Andy Titterrell, England U20 Men’s head coach, said: “As an ever-evolving pathway, we have planned to create earlier touchpoints with our most promising talent looking to break into the U20 set-up next year.  

“Our U19 programme epitomises our ethos of building togetherness and growing the rose across the pathway, with involvement from U18 and U20 staff that are relishing these competitive outings.  

“Recent contests with France in the Men’s Pathway have been entertaining, fiercely contested battles that have benefitted both unions’ development of players. We look forward to writing another chapter at a fantastic venue in Castle Park after kicking off the programme’s campaign against Wales.” 

Doncaster Knights Club President Steve Lloyd said: “We’re delighted to once again welcome England U19s and France U19s to Castle Park. Hosting this fixture again is a real honour for Doncaster Knights and a reflection of our fantastic facilities and warm Yorkshire welcome.  

“It’s always exciting to see the next generation of international talent take to the field, and we’re proud to play a part in supporting the future of the game. We look forward to an excellent contest and a memorable occasion for players, supporters, and everyone involved.”   

Tickets to see England U19 Men face France at Castle Park, Doncaster next April are available here. For Executive Boxes and hospitality tables, please contact [email protected] 

England U19 Men’s 2025/26 confirmed fixtures  

Wales U19 Men vs. England U19 Men – Friday 19th December 2025, 15:00 GMT KO – Ystrad Mynach 
England U19 Men vs. France U19 Men – Saturday 4th April 2026, 14:00 BST KO – Castle Park, Doncaster 

Doncaster knights showed unbelievable fight to secure victory over Worcester Warriors in the 80th minute, with a late Olowofela try sealing the deal. 

Doncaster Knights began the scoreboard pressure early on as an ill disciplined Warriors side gave Russell Bennett the opportunity to slot two penalties and gain a 6-0 lead. 

Worcester were the first to cross the whitewash as they moved the ball quickly to the wing before popping it back inside to Will Trewin. They added the conversion to go ahead by a point. 6-7. 

Donny continued to apply the pressure and force errors from the visitors. Bennett added another two penalties in quick succession to regain the lead 12-7. 

The Knights then extended the lead as they finally got themselves over the try line. Telusa Veainu delayed his pass brilliantly to Olowofela, and Olowofela chipped it up the wing. Connor Edwards showed fantastic pace to chase it down, gather the ball and stretch it over the line. Bennett slotted the conversion to put the Knights 19-7 up.

Warriors were penalised at the breakdown again, which gave Bennett another chance to flex his kicking skills. The penalty left the half time score 22-7.

Donny continued to battle into the second half, with some crucial defensive moments, including a huge tackle from Rokoduguni and a big turnover while defending the line. 

Despite the strong defence, the Knights were caught off guard by an intercept try from Tim Anstee, who powered his way up the wing to score in the corner. The visitors were able to regain possession at the kick off and continued to apply pressure on the knights. Another try followed as the Warriors pounced on a loose ball and booted it down the pitch. Jake Garside showed brilliant pace to get to the ball first and ground it. Conversion added, 22-19. 

A Doncaster yellow card kicked off an exciting and nail biting final ten minutes, with Worcester using the overlap to their advantage. The ball was distributed quickly to Garside on the wing who went over for his second try. 22-24. 

Ben Chapman managed to put Doncaster back on the front foot with a fantastic turnover at the breakdown. Bennett then placed a perfect touch finder to gift Donny a line out on the 22. The forwards executed the line out perfectly before allowing the backs to have it. Fox sent the ball back blind to Veainu, who offloaded brilliantly to Rokoduguni. Rokoduguni then finished the job in the corner and Bennett slotted the extras. 29-24. 

With the time ticking down, Worcester worked their way up to the try line and spent a long time trying to crack the Knights. Eventually, Billy Twelvetrees found the gap to stretch the ball over the line. A final Worcester conversion put them 29-31 up in the final minute. 

At the restart, the Knights knew they had one final chance to steal the win, and Telusa Veainu gathered a high ball to kickstart an attack. The backs whipped the ball out quickly and Joe Margetts delayed his offload perfectly to open the space for Olowofela. With the clock in the red, the winger showed brilliant pace to finish in the corner and Castle Park erupted. 

An unbelievable fight from the Knights, full time score 34-31. 

The knights are away to Bedford on Friday night, but return to face Chinnor on the 7th of November. Secure your tickets now! 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to face Worcester Warriors in round d 4 of the Champ. 

Our forwards pack remains completely unchanged from last week after a spotless set piece performance in Cornwall. Connor Davidson starts at loosehead and Joe Jones at tighthead with George Roberts the hooker between them. 

The second row is made up of Josh Williams and Morgan Jones. Captain Ben Murphy will play 6, alongside Rhys Tait at 7 and Jasper McGuire at 8.

A few changes to the rest of the forwards, with Ehize Ehizode set to make his 50th appearance off the bench and back row, Josh Bainbridge returning to the squad. Ben Chapman comes into the line up as the replacement hooker, with Andrew Turner and Logovi’i Mulipola as the spare props. 

Our half backs remain unchanged again, with Ollie Fox at 9 and Russell Bennett at 10. Will Wootton and Morgan Bunting both set to replace them from the bench. Zach Kerr comes back into the starting line up to join Connor Edwards in the centres. Semesa Rokoduguni also returns to the squad on the wing, with Jordan Olowofela remaining on the opposing wing. Telusa Veainu keeps the 15 shirt and Joe Margetts is the final back on the bench. 

It is set to be a busy day at Castle Park, with less than 100 seated tickets remaining, secure your tickets now! 

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson, 2. George Roberts, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Josh Williams, 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Ben Murphy, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Ollie Fox. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Jordan Olowofela, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Logovi’i Mulipola, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21. Will Wootton, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Joe Margetts.  

Unavailable for selection: Alex Dolly, Thom Smith, East Timor Viliamu