Doncaster Knights displayed a stellar 7 try performance to defeat Cornish Pirates 44-12 at Castle Park. 

Despite the result, the visitors got themselves on the scoresheet almost instantly as Josh King regained possession at the kick off and finished in the corner, the successful conversion gave Pirates a 0-7 lead. 

The Knights answered back almost instantly as a well held scrum meant the backs could move the ball quickly out wide for Zach Kerr to go over in the corner, 5-7.

All the Knights were working hard to put Donny back on the front foot, with Adam Hopkinson making a brilliant steal in the line out, which was then shipped out wide to Kerr. Kerr put boot to ball and gathered it well to bring the home side up to the 5m line. Just a few phases later and Pirates’ Arthur Relton was shown a yellow for a dangerous tackle, Russell Bennett slotted the three points to give Donny the edge. 8-7. 

Joe Margetts snatched his first of the day when Kerr swept up a loose ball, and popped it across to Margetts. A lovely little step opened the space for the centre to run in the try from about 22m out. Half time score 13-7. 

The Knights really stepped it up a gear in the second half as they kicked it off almost immediately with a second Zach Kerr try. The backline shipped the ball out quickly to the wing where Kerr put the perfect chip through, before chasing it well and grounding it over the line. 18-7. 

Margetts then got himself on the scoresheet again as he won the scraps in the air before stepping into space and taking off for the line, he showed brilliant pace to finish under the posts. Bennett added the extras, 25-7. 

Just 5 minutes later and he completed his hat trick with a try that began on the opposing try line. Pirates were attacking the line, and looked as though they would go on to score, but the forwards worked hard at the breakdown to turn over the ball before popping it up to Bennett. Bennett then saw a space in front of him, that allowed him to carry from the try line to the 22, he spotted Ryan Olowofela and Margetts in support, so kicked towards them. Margetts made it to the ball and kicked it further towards the line, before making an impressive pickup to dive it over. Bennett added the extras, putting the Knights 32-7 up. 

It was the forwards turn to get on the scoresheet next as our captain for the day, Fred Davies finished a superb try under the posts. The centres carried hard before firing out a quick pop pass to Davies, who ran onto the ball at great pace to finish under the posts. Bennett added the extras again, 39-7. 

Davies then scored a second, and the Knights final of the day. The forwards executed a perfect line out, before driving the maul over the line, gifting Davies his second try. 

The Pirates did manage to snatch one final try despite a huge defensive effort from the Knights today. After spending the last 5 minutes of the game attacking in the 22, the visitors eventually found the gap out wide to go over in the corner. Full time score, 44-12. 

The club would like extend a huge thank you to the 1819 fans that showed up to support the Knights, and we hope to see everyone again at our next home game in a fortnight! Secure your tickets for when we face Bedford Blues on February 14th

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their Doncaster Knights to go head to head with Cornish Pirates tomorrow. 

Our starting front row remains unchanged, with Conor Davidson at loosehead, Joe Jones at tighthead and Fred Davies at hooker. Morgan Jones and Adam Hopkinson make up the second row. 

In the back row, East Timor Viliamu and Josh Bainbridge pair ups as flankers, with Jasper McGuire keeping the number eight shirt again. 

The replacement props are our two new signings, Canadian international Cole Keith (tighthead) and Army Rugby player Douglas McGregor-Smith (loosehead). 

Ben Chapman keeps the replacement hooker spot, with Ehize Ehizode and Corey Tait the other forwards amongst the bench. 

Alex Dolly starts at scrum half to reach his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights, working with Russell Bennett at fly half. Cam Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting are named as the replacement half backs. 

Our whole backline remains unchanged, meaning Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts join up in the centres, with Zach Kerr, Ryan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu making up the back three. Aidan Cross is the utility back on the bench. 

Secure your tickets now to support the Knights tomorrow! We need you to bring the noise and be our 16th man!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies (C), 3. Joe Jones, 4. Morgan Jones, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Douglas McGregor-Smith, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Corey Tait, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Ben Murphy, Rhys Tait, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that centre, Junior Nuu Nuu has signed with the club for the remainder of the season. 

Nuu Nuu has developed experience in the game across many countries and leagues, having previously played for Leeds Tykes, Harrogate, Club Municipal Floirac, Tarbes Pyrénées, Stade Olympique Chambérie and most recently Keighley Cougars. 

With experience in both Rugby League and Rugby union, he brings physicality and excitement in the way he plays, and we can’t wait ti see him in action for the Knights!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that tight head prop, Cole Keith has signed with Doncaster Knights until the end of the season. 

Keith has a total of 41 international caps for Canada (as of October 2025), making his debut against Chile in 2017. He joins the Knights most recently from the New England Freejacks, but between his time at New England and also Toronto, he made 47 starts in 79 and became a three time USMLR champion. 

We are delighted to welcome Cole Keith to the club. 

Doncaster Knights scrum-half Alex Dolly will reach a major milestone this weekend as he makes his 100th appearance for the club when Cornish Pirates visit Castle Park.

Now in his fifth season with the Knights, Dolly admits the landmark has been a long time coming, but one he is immensely proud of: “It’s nice to get it at Doncaster. It’s something I thought potentially I would’ve done earlier in the season, but with the injury it’s taken a little bit longer,” he said.

“I’m really happy. It’s a club that I really enjoy playing for and have been at now for five seasons, so it’s a massive one for me.”

The Australian reflects on his time at the club over the years and found it hard to single out just one standout moment, “there’s been a few decent ones. We’ve had some good wins over the years. Obviously the Ealing ones stick out, Sale away last year, and then probably in my first season, Jersey away, was a good one.” 

For Dolly, its not only the memories but also the people that have made his Knights journey particularly special: 

“I’ve had some really good teammates. There’s a core group of boys that have been here with me from my first game to my hundredth, which is really, really nice,” he explained.                                                                                                                                                                                                

“Some boys have moved on, same with staff as well, but I’ve been really lucky with the people I’ve met and the people who are still involved. It’d be too hard to pigeonhole it to one moment.”

Having arrived in England from Australia and spent time at Rotherham before joining Doncaster, Dolly now admits South Yorkshire feels very much like home.

“I think I’m going to have to consider it home,” he laughed. “I didn’t think I’d spend the majority of my adulthood in South Yorkshire, but it’s been five years now, so it’s probably my adopted home at the minute.”

The milestone appearance will come in front of the Knights faithful at Castle Park, Dolly explained the importance of it being at home. “It’s brilliant. That’s what I wanted it to be, at home in front of the crowd,” he said. “Hopefully we can get something going again this weekend against Pirates and turn that result the right way.”

Looking ahead to the challenge posed by Cornish Pirates, Dolly is expecting a tough but entertaining contest.

“They’ve probably not had the season they wanted either, so they’ll be coming up here really hard, trying to get five points away from home,” he said. “We know they’re big, physical, very good in the set piece, but they’ve also been moving the ball really well.”

“Their game’s evolved they’ve got threats across the park. We’ll have to be on it set-piece wise, but once the ball’s in play, we’ve got to be on it as well.”

With a century of appearances now within touching distance, Dolly will be hoping to mark the occasion in the best way possible, with a Knights victory at Castle Park.

Secure yourself a ticket now to support Dolly and the rest of the team tomorrow, kick off 2:30PM. Get tickets here!

Doncaster Knights Foundation are proud to have supported the creation of a brand-new specialist SEND playground at Lakeside Primary Academy, helping to provide an inclusive, safe and engaging outdoor space for pupils with additional needs across Doncaster.

The playground, located alongside the Lakeside Community Hub, was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Director of Rugby Sir Ian McGeechan OBE, Knights player Ollie Fox, and Club President Steve Lloyd, who joined pupils, staff and partners to celebrate the completion of the project.

The facility has been made possible thanks to funding from Wooden Spoon (the children’s charity of rugby) alongside support from the Doncaster Knights Foundation, reinforcing the club’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact within the local community.

Designed specifically for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the playground includes accessible play equipment and dedicated sensory areas, creating a stimulating environment that supports physical development, confidence and social interaction. The space ensures that all children, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.

This project highlights how funds raised through the rugby community can be transformed into life-changing local facilities. For the Doncaster Knights Foundation, it represents another important step in its mission to give back to the local community. 

Stuart Watson, Chair for the Yorkshire Region of Wooden Spoon, said:
“As the children’s charity of rugby, we were delighted to support the SEND team at Lakeside Primary with the funding for the new playground. Play is an essential part of development, and we hope the children enjoy many years of fun here. Thank you to the Doncaster Knights Foundation for helping make this happen.”

James Bullock, Headteacher at Lakeside Primary Academy, added:
“This playground is more than just a place to play; it is a vital tool for development and inclusion. We are incredibly grateful to Wooden Spoon and the Doncaster Knights Foundation for their generosity. It will have a profound impact on the daily lives of our SEND pupils for many years to come.”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to support initiatives that strengthen the community and reflect the values of rugby beyond the pitch, and we look forward to continuing our work with partners to support young people across Doncaster.

This weekend, when Doncaster Knights face Cornish Pirates at Castle Park, the club will be raising money and awareness for charity partner, Andy’s Man Club. A brilliant cause that provides support for men’s mental health. 

MORE ABOUT AMC:

At Andy’s Man Club our mission is to find #THATONEMAN and help him to understand that #ITSOKAYTOTALK 👌🖤

We are a men’s suicide prevention charity who are trying to break down the stigma surrounding Men’s Mental Health. We offer a safe space for men to come along and talk – or not talk if they don’t feel like they want to just yet. We’ve had men who’ve attended who haven’t said anything for weeks which is absolutely fine – instead they listened and in turn then felt comfortable talking themselves. If you are unsure or feeling nervous around attending please know that every one of the 6,500+ attendees we have each week has had a similar kind of feeling before they walked through the doors, there will be lads to welcome you who understand what that feeling is like & they will help you to feel welcome and take you straight over to the brew & biscuit station!

There are 6 groups in Doncaster which are in Armthorpe (Armthorpe Library), Bentley (My place Youth Hub), Central (Eco Power Stadium), Conisbrough (Conisbrough Community Library), Stainforth (Stainforth Youth Hub) & Woodlands (Brodsworth Welfare Hub) but you can find your nearest group by going to www.andysmanclub.co.uk and putting your postcode into the ‘group finder’.

We are open every Monday 7pm – 9pm except bank holidays.

HOW TO DONATE: 

During Saturday’s game, Andy man club will have a table set up in the concourse where you can say hello, donate or collect further information! 

Doncaster Knights picked up two points on the road as a close encounter with Cambridge ended 12-12. 

The Knights started quickly as Ryan Olowofela won the ball back in the air as Russell Bennett kicked the game off. Donny continued to attack and a few phases later, Alex Dolly picked the ball from the back of the breakdown and broke into space. He popped the ball up and Adam Hopkinson snatched it quickly before diving over the line. Russell Bennett added the extras. 0-7.

Cambridge answered back quickly as they moved the ball out quickly to the backs, and an impressive link play from their centred partnership allowed them to break through and score under the posts. Conversion successful.

The game continued to be a physical contest, with both teams defending hard. It was the visitors who managed to crack and score a final try before the end of the first half. They intercepted a Doncaster pass and broke into space. Cambridge’s scrum half ran a support line and received the pass, but Bennett put in a brilliant tackle just short of the try line to stop him going the full way. Unfortunately for the Knights, Cambridge’s winger showed brilliant pace to get there just in time to receive the final pass. 

Half time score 12-7. 

The second half continued to be hard fought battle, with both sides putting in countless hits to hold each other out. It was a huge team effort form the Knights to bring the visitors back into a poison to score. 

Adam Hopkinson won the ball from a Cambridge line out, earning Donny a scrum, which the forwards executed perfectly and won a penalty. Bennett then put in a perfect kick to touch, giving the Knights a line out on the 5m line. 

After a well executed line out, Dolly popped the ball out wide to Zach Kerr who finished in the corner. Bennett’s conversion went slightly wide. 12-12. 

The Knights worked hard to put themselves in an attacking position again, and another big scrum from the forwards meant Donny has the chance to kick for three. The windy conditions meant the Knights just missed out on the win, but take two points back to Castle Park. 

Full time score 12-12.  

The Knights return to home action next week as we face Cornish Pirates. Grab tickets and show your support here. 

Doncaster Knights season ticket holders and club sponsors are invited to apply for the chance to receive tickets to this year’s nations championship. 

The Club receives a set ticket entitlement for all games and when demand outstrips supply, tickets will be allocated via a ballot system.

The available games and prices are as follows:

England v Australia – Sunday 8 November

KO 15:10

Category 2 Seating – £114 + £10 ticket fee

England v Japan – Saturday 14 November

KO 16:40 

Category 2 Seating – £69 + £10 ticket fee

To apply please complete the form linked here!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to kick of the second half of the CHAMP season. With a handful of injuries returning to action this weekend, here’s how the Knights line up to face Cambridge on the road…

Tight head prop Joe Jones returns to start in the front row alongside loose head Conor Davidson and Hooker Fred Davies. Adam Hopkinson and Morgan Jones make up the second row behind them, with a strong back row supporting from behind. Jasper McGuire Starts at eight with Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait on each flank. 

Our replacement front row is made up of Newcastle Red Bull loan, Micky Rewcastle. Rewastle’s tighthead partner will be Logovi’i Mulipola, with Ben Chapman the replacement hooker. Ehize Ehizode and East Timor Viliamu are also named on the bench. 

Alex Dolly starts at scrum half again with Russell Bennett returning from injury to start at fly half. Connor Edwards also returns to the starting line up to partner with Joe Margetts in the centres. Zach Kerr moves out to the wing, with Ryan Olowofela on the other. Telusa Veainu keeps the 15 shirt. 

Our replacement half backs are Cameron Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting, with Aidan Cross the final back amongst the replacements. 

The game kicks off at 2pm and can be watched LIVE on www.clubbertv.co.uk – we will be showing the stream at Castle Park so head to the ground to enjoy the game with fellow Knights fans! Bar will be open from 1:30pm. 

The Knights then return to Castle Park the following week to face Cornish Pirates, you can secure a ticket here!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Morgan Jones, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. Rhys Tait (6) 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Micky Rewcastle, 18. Logovi’i Mulipola, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. East Timor Viliamu, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Ben Murphy, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont