In the heart of Doncaster’s sporting heartbeat, where the roar of the crowd meets the precision of elite preparation, a game-changing alliance has been forged. We’re thrilled to announce that the Doncaster Knights have teamed up with the High Performance Centre (HPC) at Eco Power Stadium as our official performance partners. This isn’t just a collaboration—it’s a commitment to pushing boundaries, sharpening edges, and elevating every player to their peak. As we lace up for another season of Championship rugby, the HPC stands ready to fuel our charge, blending cutting-edge science with the grit that defines Knights rugby.

Imagine a facility where data drives dominance, where recovery isn’t reactive but proactive, and where the line between training and triumph blurs. That’s the promise of the HPC, and it’s right here in Doncaster.

The Heart of High Performance: Inside the HPC

The HPC is more than a gym or a lab; it’s an elite ecosystem designed to unlock athletic potential. Specialising in performance testing and sports therapy, it boasts state-of-the-art tools like VO2 max, force plates for biomechanical analysis, and advanced recovery suites that rival those at Premiership clubs.

From cryotherapy to isometric dynamometers for precise muscle assessment, every inch of the space is geared toward one goal: measurable improvement. “We’re breaking down barriers to make elite-level sports science accessible to all athletes,” the HPC team emphasises, fostering an environment where pros and aspiring talents alike can thrive. And with its prime location in the stadium, it’s not just convenient—it’s immersive, surrounded by the energy of live sport.

But what does this mean for the Knights? Everything. As performance partners, the HPC has been instrumental in our build-up to the 2025/26 campaign, providing tailored support that goes beyond the basics.

Beyond the Pitch: Nurturing the Next Generation

What sets the HPC apart? It’s not just for the pros. At its core is a commitment to education, with the BSc (Hons) in Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science—a three-year degree validated and awarded by the University of Hull (UCAS Code: C602).

Personalised learning is key: Small cohorts mean tailored modules, from biomechanics to sports psychology, all applied in real-world scenarios. Experiential learning shines through placements at the HPC, where students shadow Knights and Rovers sessions, analysing data fresh from the field. Embedded qualifications—Level 3, 4, and 5 in Sport Massage—equip grads with industry creds, integrated seamlessly into the curriculum.

The focus? Employability in elite sport. Year 3’s independent research project might see a student dissecting Knights’ scrum dynamics, while electives in strength and conditioning prep for roles with pro teams. “Our facilities provide Sports students with the ultimate environment,” the HPC notes, thanks to exclusive access via Knights and Rovers partnerships. Graduates aren’t just degree-holders; they’re ready-to-deploy pros, with alumni already embedding in regional academies.

And it’s not isolated to rugby. The HPC’s roster of partners underscores Doncaster’s sporting synergy. Since 2024, they’ve been the performance backbone for Doncaster Rovers, delivering pre-season testing and unlimited recovery access that powered their title-winning charge last season. From Rovers’ recovery pods to Knights’ velocity-based training, the HPC is the common thread weaving excellence across codes

Want to join the action? Aspiring sports scientists can kickstart their journey with the HPC’s elite degree programme, while athletes and teams can tap into world-class facilities with bespoke bookings and performance packages. Reach out to Josh Wroot at [email protected] to unlock your potential today!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their side to face Cambridge at Castle Park tomorrow afternoon. 

Two huge milestones at the club this weekend, with Scrum Half, Ollie Fox and Back Row, Rhys Tait both reaching 50 appearances for Doncaster Knights. Everyone at the club extends a huge congratulations to the duo. 

A few changes to the line up this week, with Conor Davidson starting in the front row with Joe Jones. George Roberts remains the starting hooker this weekend. 

Our front row on the bench consists of Fred Davies, (hooker) and props, Andrew Turner and Loogvi’i Mulipola. 

Our starting second row is captain Ben Murphy and Ehize Ehizode. With Adam Hopkinson, Rhys Tait and Thom Smith in the back row.

The other forwards amongst the replacements are Morgan Jones and Josh Williams. 

The back line starts with half centurion Ollie Fox at nine, paired with Russell Bennett at 10. Connor Edwards comes back into the starting line up to join Zach Kerr in the centres. 

Our back three is made up of Ryan Olowofela, Semesa Rokoduguni and Telusa Veainu. 

Scrum Half Will Wooton and Fly Half Morgan Bunting are named on the bench alongside back three, Jordan Olowofela. 

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

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Logovi’i Mulipola, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Josh Williams, 21. Will Wootton, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Jordan Olowofela. 

Unavailable for selection: Alex Dolly, East Timor Viliamu, Josh Bainbridge 

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Doncaster Knights can now confirm the latest on an injury to Scrum Half, Alex Dolly. 

Alex Dolly suffered an injury to his groin during the Edinburgh Home game whilst goal kicking. After being immediately removed he was assessed by the medical team and the decision was made to scan at the earliest opportunity.

Following results from the scan and consultation with a specialist, Dolly will undergo surgery at the end of this week. He will work with the medical team for the next few months with a planned return to play in the New Year.

Doncaster Knights travelled to Nottingham for round one of the new CHAMP league. In a gritty battle, Nottingham came out on top, defeating the Knights 26-8. 

The hosts scored their first try within the first minute as full back, Evan Mitchell ran a good support line when they broke through Knights defence. Conversion was successful 7-0.

As both teams battled not only each other, but the conditions too. There wasn’t another score until the final play of the first half. 

There were lots of positives in the Knights’ defence during the first 40, some scrum penalties won, and a great line out steal from Rhys Tait. The Knights came close many times but couldn’t manage to get over the line. 

Soon, Nottingham worked their way up to the line, and after spending nearly 5 minutes on the line, they eventually drove it over, with the clock in the red. 

Half time score 12-0. 

The weather only worsened into the second half, with 50mph winds and heavy rain causing multiple errors from both teams. 

Zach Kerr kicked a brilliant 50:2, which built some nice momentum for the Knights, and allowed them to attack in the 22. 

Donny attacked for another 5 minutes before Russell Bennett kicked an impressive penalty to get some points on the board. From between the halfway line and the 22, Bennett showed great composure to battle the conditions and claim the 3 points. 12-3. 

Nottingham fought back and grabbed another score as a penalty allowed them to kick for the corner. The Knights do well to hold out the driving maul, but as the ball is shipped out, they find the way through. Another conversion put them 19-3 ahead. 

Another Nottingham try followed in similar fashion, with Micheal Green powering over the line. And they added another conversion for their final points of the game 26-3. 

With fresh legs on the pitch, Donny start to build some good phases in attack. Ollie Fox picks from the back of the breakdown and darts into space. Will Wootton, our scrum half replacement who was playing on the wing, ran a brilliant support line and showed great pace to finish the try. 

Full time score 26-8.

Doncaster will now turn their attention to our next game, Cambridge at home. Get behind the Knights as they look to bounce back! Tickets available here.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their first CHAMP line up of the season. The team will make the short journey to Nottingham for a Friday night Champ opener. 

Thom Smith starts at number eight for what is set to be his 50th club appearance. Everyone at the club extends a huge congratulations to the back row, a key presence amongst our squad.

 

In the front row, Logovi’i Mulipola takes the loosehead side, with Joe Jones at tighthead. George Roberts starts between them at hooker.

In the second row, captain Ben Murphy is joined by Morgan Jones, making his Champ debut. Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait make up the rest of the back row, alongside Smith at 8. 

Our replacement front row is Conor Davidson, Lewis Thiede and Fred Davies. With East Timor Viliamu and Ehize Ehizode the other forwards named in the squad. 

Our backline starts with Ollie Fox at 9, and Russell Bennett at 10. Sale Sharks loan player, Will Wootton is our replacement 9, and Morgan Bunting is set to replace Bennett. 

Zach Kerr and Joe Margetts link up in the centre, with Semesa Rokoduguni shifting back out to the wing. Ex-Nottingham player Ryan Olowofela starts on the other wing, with Telusa Veainu at full back. Matt McNab is our utility back amongst the replacements. 

 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola, 2. George Roberts, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Josh Bainbridge, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Thom Smith, 9. Ollie Fox. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Ryan Olowofela, 12. Zach Kerr, 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. East Timor Viliamu, 21. Will Wootton, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Matt McNab 

You can watch the game live on clubbertv.co.uk or secure your ticket to the Knights next home game! 

Doncaster Knights v Cambridge Rugby, Saturday 11th October – 2:30PM 

Albemarle Homes is proud to announce the official opening of the Albemarle Suite at Doncaster Knights Rugby Club, further cementing the partnership with one of the region’s most established sports teams. 

The newly refurbished suite, located at Castle Park in Armthorpe, was unveiled during the club’s final pre-season test against Edinburgh Rugby, a thrilling match that ended in a dramatic draw and set the tone for the season ahead. 

The Albemarle Suite has been designed as a welcoming, comfortable and stylish space for guests, partners and supporters to enjoy on matchdays and beyond. The new look reflects Albemarle’s commitment to quality, attention to detail and strong local roots, values shared by the Doncaster Knights both on and off the pitch. 

Pictured at the official unveiling were Charlotte Kirk, Head of Sales at Albemarle Homes, and Bryn Iwanyckyj, Land and Planning Manager, who joined Tony De Mulder, Chairman of Doncaster Knights, to celebrate the launch. 

Tony De Mulder commented, “We are extremely grateful to Albemarle Homes for their suite sponsorship which has enabled Doncaster Knights to improve our facilities and provide a better experience for our sponsors, partners and fans. Proud to align with a local community based company we will continue with our dedication to providing opportunities to our local area in rugby and this sponsorship helps support these worthy causes.”  

The Albemarle Suite will now host a range of matchday hospitality events, club gatherings and community activities throughout the season. 

Charlotte Kirk commented: “We’re incredibly proud to support Doncaster Knights and to see the Albemarle Suite open its doors ahead of what promises to be an exciting season. Community is at the heart of everything we do at Albemarle Homes, and this partnership is another way for us to give something back and celebrate what makes Doncaster such a special place to live.” 

This collaboration is part of Albemarle Homes’ ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots sport and local initiatives across South Yorkshire. 

To find out more about hospitality at Doncaster Knights email [email protected] or call 01302 831388.