Doncaster Knights showed resilience in front of the Castle Park crowd but were ultimately beaten 29–7 by a clinical Ealing Trailfinders side.

The visitors made a fast start and capitalised on early pressure to build a lead through number 8, Will Montgomery who drove over the line. 0-7

Despite limited possession, the Knights defended with determination, putting in some big shifts at the breakdown and forcing errors when Ealing looked threatening. 

Joe Margetts’ sharp interception halted one attack. However, Ealing’s accuracy eventually told as they scored a second try heading into the break by moving the ball out wide, 0-14. 

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Trailfinders capitalising on Knights penalties to gain territory and scoring two more tries by shipping the ball out wide again. 0-26. They also added an additional three when the Knights were penalised for being offside. 0-29

Doncaster continued to compete fiercely, and when a penalty finally went their way, Castle Park cheered the officials.

The backline moved the ball well and an impressive break down the wing from McNab sparked an attack, carrying powerfully into the 22 before quick ball allowed Bunting to produce a pinpoint cross-field kick to Kerr, who finished well in the corner. 5-29. 

Bunting added the conversion to complete a deserved 7 points for the resilient Knights. 7-29.

The Knights now take a two week break before turning their attention to Coventry away in March. 

Darren Fearne and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Ealing Trailfinders at Castle Park on Saturday.

Logovi’i Mulipola shifts across to tighthead and partners Conor Davidson in the front row. Ben Chapman retains the number two shirt and starts at hooker for another week, with Fred Davies set to provide cover from the bench. Cole Keith, who played a stellar 80 minutes at tighthead last week, is named among the replacements alongside loosehead Andrew Turner, who is set to return from a long-term injury.

Captain Ben Murphy starts in the second row alongside Morgan Jones, while the back row also remains unchanged. East Timor Viliamu and Rhys Tait continue on the flanks, with Jasper McGuire at number eight. Adam Hopkinson is named on the bench, joined by fellow forward Josh Bainbridge.

The starting backline is once again unchanged, with Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett pulling the strings at half-back. Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts combine in the centres, while Zach Kerr, Ryan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu complete the back three.

Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting are named as the half-back replacements, with Matt McNab providing utility back cover from the bench.

Secure your ticket to this game here!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Logovi’i Mulipola, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Rhys Tait, 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. Fred Davies, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Adam Hopkinson, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Matt McNab. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Jordan Olowofela, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights are thrilled to announce that IPS, UK has extended their kit sponsorship for the 2025-26 season.

As a business deeply rooted in Doncaster, IPS, UK continue to champion local sport and community initiatives. Last season they sponsored the home and away Doncaster Knights shirt and branded with the IPS logo. This season their Park Smarter™ logo is present in this campaign, showcasing their understanding of community and the needs of their audience. Park Smarter™ is a suite of mobile payment options featuring an App, Text To Pay & Scan To Pay options.

As well as the shirts being worn by the players, visible to spectators in the ground and to the Knights’ 70,000+ social media following, the logo is also present on replica shirts sold in the club shop and worn by fans of the club at games. The introduction of live streaming of games via Clubber TV has also extended the visibility of the Park Smarter™ branding and app across the country and around the world.

IPS, UK are a fully integrated parking solutions company with smart parking technology. IPS offer Smart Parking Solutions for innovative communities. Their technology puts Smart Terminals, Data Management, and Complex Analytics at your fingertips. They strive to create an exceptional customer experience by addressing real parking needs with innovative, transformative solutions. Their latest kits accept contactless payments as standard and they are the only Parking Terminal manufacturer in the market who are a fully accredited Payment Services Provider.

Last week, Doncaster Knights Head of Commercial Tracey Owen & Sales and Marketing Officer, Rob Harker visited IPS, UK headquarters in Doncaster. Following a tour from Freddie Jones and demonstration of the machines, we enjoyed listening to an exciting update on the business.

As kit sponsor for the Knights’ their logo features on the scoreboard, on the website and in the programme. Their name is read out by the match announcer before every home game. IPS are the Knights official car park sponsor and also have a driveway banner and a mesh banner facing the pitch, providing them with excellent exposure from fans around the ground, visitors to the club and via external channels through photography and videos. IPS are entitled to four season tickets at Castle Park so can see every Knights’ match in the exciting Champ league this season. Further, they are invited to all Doncaster Knights sponsors and networking events, allowing them to liaise with other businesses and gain new connections.

Freddie Jones, UK Managing Director at IPS Group said, “We greatly value our partnership with Doncaster Knights and supporting an ambitious local team with values in supporting youth and community around the area. Much like the marks of a successful rugby team our principles at IPS are collaboration, accountability, transparency and integrity, which draws us closely to the Knights. It has been a pleasure to be a shirt sponsor and to attend Knights matches.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial, added, “We are very grateful to Freddie, Sarah and the team at IPS, UK for their sponsorship this season and in previous seasons. It is always great to see representatives from IPS on a match day as part of their season tickets and to sponsorship and networking events. With their interest in our sport and the community, their values are closely aligned to us and the shirt sponsorship and banner advertising provide a fantastic opportunity to publicise their brand.”

To find out more about IPS, visit https://ipsgroupinc.co.uk/ and for Park Smarter™, visit https://parksmarter.uk/.

If you are interested in the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388.

The hosts were first over the line as scrum-half Luke Carter picked the ball from the back of the breakdown and dummied his way into space. 0–5.

Chinnor spent the remainder of the first 15 minutes in attack, but Doncaster showed their fight to prevent them from scoring again. Ben Murphy found his way underneath the ball to hold them up, and after going back for a Chinnor penalty, the backline were quickly off the line in defence to force the knock-on.

Doncaster then switched on the attack as a well-executed line-out allowed Ben Chapman to wrap around and pop the ball to Olowofela. The winger ran onto the ball at pace and sliced through to go over. Bennett added the extras to put the Knights ahead, 5–7.

Olowofela then snatched a second almost instantly as the backline moved the ball out to Veainu, who drew in the final defender with his notorious footwork before giving the final pass to Olowofela. He used his pace to go the rest of the way.

His third try came on the half-hour mark. Veainu carried hard and bumped off one defender before throwing a one-handed pass to Olowofela. He snatched it above his head and powered through the final defender to finish. 5–17.

Zach Kerr made a break up the wing to put Donny back into the 22, and the forwards flooded in to support, clearing out the breakdown quickly. Dolly shipped the ball to Jasper McGuire, who stormed onto it at pace and flew over the line. Bennett added the extras, leaving the half-time score at 5–24.

The second half started well for the Knights as a scrum penalty from the forwards gifted Bennett the opportunity to kick to touch. The line-out was executed well and the forwards spent time at the line drawing in defenders. The ball was then moved through the backs, and a long pass to Veainu allowed him to run it in. Bennett added another two, 5–31.

A yellow card went Doncaster’s way after conceding too many penalties while defending the line, and Chinnor capitalised on the overlap, scoring two tries in quick succession.

The first came when their centre powered into space and distributed to the wing. Matt McNab tackled his opposite winger, but quick ball to Will Cave allowed the hosts to finish the job. The conversion was added, 10–31.

The second try came from the set piece, as quick ball from the line-out allowed them to power over the line. Conversion successful, 19–31.

Doncaster had the final say as McNab chased down Bennett’s kick-off and tapped it back to keep the Knights in attack. Donny found space up the wing, and a final offload to Fred Davies opened the space for him to drive over.

Full-time score: 19–36

Doncaster now turn their attention to facing league leaders Ealing next week. Secure your ticket now and be part of our 16th man.

 

Doncaster Knights can confirm that Joe Jones has been released from his contract with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in the Premiership with Harlequins.

Jones departs the club having made just under 50 appearances. After first joining on a short-term spell in 2020, he returned for the 2024/25 season and went on to become an influential figure within the squad and an integral part of the club environment.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Joey’s been excellent for us and he’s earned this opportunity. It’s another player progressing to the Premiership from Doncaster knights, that’s a credit to his work and the environment here.

“We’re ambitious as a club and we want players who perform at a level that attracts the top tier. Joey has done that. He’ll be missed, however we’re confident in the strength and depth of our group, and we’re excited about the competition for that No.3 shirt.”

Everyone at the club is delighted for Jones, and wishes him all the best best as he makes the step back up to the top level. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to face Chinnor at Kinsey Road tomorrow night.

Cole Keith comes into the front row to start at tighthead, alongside loosehead Conor Davidson and hooker Ben Chapman.

In the second row, captain Ben Murphy partners Morgan Jones once again, with an unchanged back row behind them: East Timor Vilimau and Rhys Tait on the flanks, and Jasper McGuire at number eight.

The backline is unchanged for the fourth week running, with Dolly and Bennett at half-back and Edwards and Margetts in the centres. Zach Kerr and Ryan Olowofela take up the wings, while Telusa Veainu remains at full-back.

On the bench, we opt for a 6/2 split. Fred Davies is the replacement hooker, alongside props Conor Davidson and Ethan Hulme, with Ehize Ehizode, Josh Bainbridge and Adam Hopkinson the remaining forward options. Scrum-half Ollie Fox returns from injury to take his place among the replacements, along with utility back, Matt McNab.

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola 2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Rhys Tait, 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. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Ethan Hulme, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21.Adam Hopkinson, 22. Ollie Fox, 23. Matt McNab  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Jordan Olowofela, Lewis Thiede, Joe Jones, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights would like to thank Albemarle Homes – Darryl Baker, Helen Dillon-Pearson and Bryn Iwanyckyj for their continued and enhanced sponsorship and support at the Knights. 

Recognising the vital role rugby plays in the local community, Albemarle Homes is proud to support Doncaster Knights. From mini juniors through to the semi-professional first team, this partnership helps sustain the game and making a positive contribution to both the local and business communities.

Albemarle Homes is the official kit sponsor across all home and away shirts, with their logo prominently positioned on the upper chest. The branding also features on replica shirts sold through the club shop, supported by extensive exposure across social media, matchday activity, Clubber TV and live streaming of Champ games throughout the season.

Albemarle Homes is also the new sponsors of our main hospitality suite, The Albemarle Suite. Following a substantial refurbishment programme, the newly upgraded suite has welcomed and entertained hundreds of guests on matchdays this season.

As well as matchday hospitality, the space is also used for conferences, meetings, networking events and private parties, and has received glowing reviews from visitors.

We were delighted to welcome Albemarle Homes to the suite for the pre-season friendly against Edinburgh Rugby in September and they will be entertaining their staff with a table at the Richmond fixture in April 2026. 

Albemarle Homes prides themselves on being more than just a home builder. They build every home with distinction, delivering quality, energy efficient homes that exceed expectations. They are a family run housebuilder established to provide the communities within South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire with quality build, affordable homes. They take great care in all aspects of the process from the location of developments, the design of each property, the professional grade techniques, materials used in construction to the personable care service provided to buyers.

Albemarle Homes also has a number of advertising boards around Castle Park, providing them with eyes on their brand from supporters, through photography which is picked up by external publications and the Knights’ social media coverage, as well as video coverage through match highlights and ClubberTV.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Charlotte Kirk, Head of Sales commented “Supporting local clubs and organisations is hugely important to us, particularly those like Doncaster Knights who have such a strong impact across the community.

“We’ve been delighted with how The Albemarle Suite been received. It’s great to see it enjoyed not only on matchdays but also for wider events that bring people and businesses together.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial, Doncaster Knights advised “We are incredibly grateful to Albemarle Homes and their ongoing and enhanced sponsorship at Doncaster Knights. Their support enables us to continue to deliver rugby to our local community and beyond whilst also maintaining the excellent facilities at Castle Park.”

To find out more about Albemarle Homes click here: https://www.albemarlehomes.co.uk/

For full details of sponsorship, advertising, hospitality opportunities and networking events at Doncaster Knights and how this can benefit your business, please contact Tracey Owen via email at ➡️: [email protected]

Doncaster Knights would like to welcome KCR Build / Common Lane Consultancy as brand new sponsors and executive box holders this season. We’d like to extend a warm welcome to Ian Pyott, Mark Finney and their team.

KCR Build / Common Lane Consultancy are specialists in general building maintenance, with over 30 years of experience and an excellent reputation. Their areas of expertise encompasses everything from ceiling installation, decoration, glazing, resurfacing works, construction, groundworks, joinery/shopfitting and much more! They employ over 70 staff and have offices in Doncaster and Glasgow.

KCR / Common Lane Consultancy are a new sponsor of Doncaster Knights for the 2025-26 season and have opted for a package which gives them both sponsorship and hospitality at Castle Park.

This season they get to enjoy hospitality through being the name on the door of executive box 1, meaning they get to enjoy a fun day out with delicious food, in their own private hospitality area and cracking Champ league rugby. At the game they have the opportunity to entertain and impress their staff, clients, families, contractors and other guests with the experience.

Passionate followers of rugby the staff at KCR have been successful in our ballot for international rugby tickets. They have also attended the Knights’ sponsors lunches and networking events to meet new clients and catch up with existing connections.

Director of KCR, Ian Pyott, said: “We have enjoyed all of the games at Doncaster Knights, with a cracking atmosphere, cow pie, hospitality and plenty of drinks – what more do you want?! Our clients and guests are loving it as well! We are proud to support our local rugby union club, Doncaster Knights and want to continue and grow this relationship.”

Doncaster Knights’ Head of Commercial, Tracey Owen added: “We’re delighted to welcome KCR Build / Common Lane Consultancy to the Doncaster Knights family for the 2025–26 season. Their commitment to both sponsorship and hospitality shows a real belief in what we’re building at Castle Park. It’s been fantastic to see Ian and the team fully engage with our matchday experience, sponsor events and wider club network, and we’re looking forward to developing a strong and successful partnership together.”

Doncaster Knights and KCR have plenty of enthusiasm towards their agreement and KCR have spoken highly of the match day experience in hospitality at Castle Park. Visit their website here.

Looking for a fantastic day out to celebrate Armed Forces Day, reconnect with old friends, and support a great cause? Look no further than the Military vs Cancer Armed Forces Day Rugby Event at Castle Park on 4th July 2026!

This one-of-a-kind event promises an unforgettable day of rugby action as the UK Armed Forces Rugby Teams take on the North Select XV in men’s, North women’s and men’s U23’s matches. Whether you’re a rugby enthusiast, a supporter of our armed forces, or simply looking for a brilliant day out with friends, this is the event you won’t want to miss!

Celebrate Armed Forces Day: Show your appreciation for our military personnel by attending a thrilling day of rugby, honouring the bravery and dedication of those who serve.

Itinerary: 

Armed Forces Day Rugby Event 2026, Military v Cancer

UK Armed Forces RFC VS North England Select XV

Saturday 4th July 2026

Gates Open 11:30am

12:00pm KO – UK Armed Forces v North England Select – Mens U23’s

2:15pm KO – UK Armed Forces v North England Select – Womens

4:30pm KO – UK Armed Forces v North England Select – Mens

Support a Worthy Cause: All proceeds from the event go towards Military vs Cancer, helping to provide vital support to current and former service members facing cancer.

Only £5 entry to Doncaster Knights season ticket holders!

Tickets are available now, click here to book.

Doncaster Knights are delighted to welcome RSM Lining Supplies as a new executive box holder for the 2025-26 season.

RSM Lining Supplies are specialists in wastewater and pressure pipe rehabilitation. With over 20 years of industry experience RSM is a global supplier offering cured in place pipe lining and patching materials. Based in Doncaster, they have won a number of industry awards, have an exclusive range of innovative products, and possess a drive for excellence in everything they do.

The firm has been loyal supporters and benefactors of Doncaster Knights during previous seasons. Having enjoyed the hospitality experience at Castle Park, as well as investing in advertising boards last campaign, they have decided to upgrade sponsorship of the Knights to an executive box for the 2025-26.

Phil Steele, Sales Director at RSM Lining Supplies said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Doncaster Knights and support an ambitious club with community values. The executive box allows us the opportunity to watch excellent Champ rugby whilst entertaining our employees, clients, colleagues, family and friends.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights added: “We are delighted to welcome RSM as executive box holders for the 2025-26 season. RSM are a valued sponsor that we are looking forward to welcoming them into hospitality this season. With their interest in rugby and community, and their values sharing similarities to our club with quality and trust, it is a perfect alignment to the Knights. The box ownership will provide a fantastic opportunity to showcase their brand.”

Doncaster Knights and RSM Lining Supplies share in the enthusiasm of an ongoing agreement. To learn more about what RSM Lining Supplies have to offer, visit their website here.

If you are interested about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388.