The Doncaster Knights Past Players Lunch is taking place on Saturday 18th April!

Enjoy a pre-match meal which indulges in the history of Doncaster rugby. This event promises to be a cracker with all past players welcome – catch up with teammates and meet the other stars of Knights history.

Open to everyone with a Knights connection who shares a love of the club, and enjoys delicious food and socialising.

We will be enjoying our traditional homemade, delicious cow pie complete with chips & mushy peas followed by a cheese board. With the bar open and drinks available throughout the afternoon then this will be a real fun occasion to celebrate all things Knights.

 Arms Park
Saturday 18th April
Knights vs London Scottish

What’s included in your Past Playeers Meal of £26.50 per person (excluding match day tickets):

•  Arms Park hospitality lounge & private bar
• Delicious pre match homemade cow pie, chips, mushy peas & gravy.
• Team sheets, access to online digital match day programme & entry to competition/quiz
• Pre match player Q&A
• Access to the man of the match presentation in the Albemarle Suite

Enjoy a fantastic afternoon of rugby in style with this offering. Book at:

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

Doncaster Knights returned to winning ways at Castle Park with a hard-fought 35–22 victory against Hartpury.

The Knights crossed the try line in the very first minute. Receiving the kick-off, Kerr made a break out wide and offloaded to McNab, who carried strongly up the wing before feeding Edwards on the inside. The centre ran in untouched from there. Bennett added the extras to make it 7–0.

Hartpury responded by building possession and applying pressure, but Doncaster’s defence held firm. The visitors opted for three points, with Bazalgette slotting the penalty to reduce the deficit to 7–3.

The Knights were soon back defending their own line, holding out for a sustained five-minute period with some huge hits. Eventually, Hartpury’s number eight, Tom Worts, showed his strength to power over, and the conversion put them ahead at 7–10.

Hartpury added another in similar fashion after extended pressure near the line, with Harry Short driving over under the posts. The simple conversion stretched the lead to 7–17.

Doncaster continued to push and worked their way into the opposition 22. A driving maul on the line was illegally collapsed by Hartpury, resulting in a penalty try and a yellow card, reducing the visitors to 14 men. The score moved to 14–17.

The Knights carried that momentum straight from the restart, returning to the Hartpury line. Ben Chapman powered over to give Doncaster the lead just before half-time. Bennett’s conversion made it 21–17 at the break.

Doncaster started the second half positively with an excellent team try. Viliami Taulani picked from the scrum and moved the ball through the backs. Jasper McGuire carried strongly before offloading to Bennett, who quickly found Aidan Cross. The winger cut in off his flank, hit a perfect line at pace, and powered through to score. Bennett added the extras once again, extending the lead to 28–17.

The remainder of the game saw Doncaster largely on the defensive, showing real determination to hold firm. Key lineout steals from Josh Bainbridge and Ben Murphy helped keep Hartpury at bay.

However, with Jasper McGuire in the sin bin, Hartpury eventually capitalised on the overlap. Former Knight Robbie Smith finished well out wide to close the gap to 28–22.

Hartpury threatened again, but Jordan Olowofela reacted quickest to a loose ball, hacking it downfield before regathering inside the 22. With support arriving, the Knights shifted the ball quickly across the pitch, and with the clock in the red, Cross crossed for his second try of the evening.

Bennett converted the final kick to maintain his 100% record from the tee, sealing a 35–22 victory.

The Knights travel to Ampthill next weekend before returning to Castle Park in a fortnight for another Friday night clash.

Secure your tickets now and support the Knights during the final push of the season, 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named the following team to face Hartpury in a Friday night clash at Castle Park.

In the front row, Logovi’i Mulipola comes into the starting line-up to join tighthead Cole Keith. After scoring off the bench last week, Ben Chapman returns to the starting hooker spot, with Fred Davies named among the replacements. The replacement props are loosehead Drew Turner and tighthead Lewis Thiede.

The second row remains unchanged, with Adam Hopkinson and captain Ben Murphy. In the back row, Jasper McGuire returns to the starting line-up alongside Josh Bainbridge and Viliamu East Timor. Morgan Jones and Rhys Tait are the remaining replacement forwards.

Ollie Fox gets the start at scrum-half this week, with Russell Bennett shifting back to fly-half following the return of Telusa Veainu at full-back. Connor Edwards keeps the 12 shirt, while Zach Kerr finally returns at outside centre. Joe Margetts is named on the bench. Aidan Cross and Matt McNab take up the wings, with Jordan Olowofela set to make his return from injury off the bench.

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Jasper McGuire 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Ollie Fox, 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Aidan Cross, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Zach Kerr, 14. Matt McNab, 15. Telusa Veainu.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Rhys Tait, 21. Alex Dolly, 22. Joe Margetts, 23. J Olowofela. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Ryan Olowofela

Unavailable loan players: Patreece Bell, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

GET TICKETS FOR THIS GAME HERE

Doncaster Knights Events are hiring an Events Executive at Castle Park.

The successful candidate will play a key role in driving the growth of Doncaster Knights’ events and hospitality business. Based at Castle Park Stadium, the role will focus on generating new business & securing profitable business from inbound enquiries for conferences, corporate events, private functions, proms, weddings, etc while supporting the marketing and promotion of the venue and events programme.

This person will be highly proactive and lead the sales journey from initial enquiry and/or outreach through to event delivery support and post-event follow-up, ensuring an exceptional client experience and identifying opportunities for repeat business.

Job Title – Events Executive including Sales & Marketing
Location – Doncaster, South Yorkshire – Castle Park Stadium
Start Date – ASAP
Salary Range – £28,000 – £32,000
Type of Work – Office-based with event attendance and occasional evening/weekend work

Read the full job description here: Events Sales & Marketing Executive

To Apply: Please email Tracey Owen, [email protected] with a CV and covering letter by Friday 10^th April.

The hosts opened the scoring early with a penalty that gave them entry into the 22. After multiple phases of strong carries, the forwards eventually drove over the line, and the successful conversion handed Coventry a 7–0 lead.

The Knights responded by winning a scrum penalty to return to attack. Sustained pressure eventually paid off when a quick pass to Rhys Tait allowed him to power over for Doncaster’s first try, narrowing the score to 7–5.

Allan Ferrie then struck twice in quick succession. The first came after a powerful break through the middle by Nayalo, who created space for Ferrie to run in unopposed. Ferrie soon added a second with a strong drive over the line, extending Coventry’s lead to 19–5.

The Knights enjoyed a period of possession and showed promising attacking intent, but were unable to convert pressure into points, with Coventry’s resolute defence and a number of individual errors proving costly.Coventry added another try before the break after a scrum penalty gave them field position in the 22, finishing with another powerful carry.

Half-time: 24–5.

Doncaster started the second half brightly, with Bunting producing an excellent penalty kick to touch to set up an attacking lineout five metres out. The forwards executed well, and Ben Chapman drove over for the try, with Bennett adding the extras to make it 24–12.

After winning the aerial contest, Coventry regained possession and moved the ball effectively before Johnson crossed the line, extending the lead to 29–12.

The Knights remained in the contest, working their way back upfield through strong forward carries. Jasper McGuire finished the move, powering over in the corner to bring the score to 34–17.

Coventry responded with two more tries. The first came from Morgan Adderly-Jones, who picked from the base of the ruck and dove over. The second followed a quick counter-attack, as Coventry capitalised on a loose ball and broke into space. Bunting looked set to make the cover tackle but was unfortunate to slip, allowing the hosts to run the length and stretch the lead to 41–17.

Doncaster had the final say, earning a losing bonus point with a late try. Russell Bennett reacted quickest to an overthrown lineout, gathering the loose ball and offloading to Connor Edwards, who powered through contact to score. Bennett added the conversion.

Full-time: 44–24.

The Knights return to home action next week as they face Hartpury RFC on Friday night. Secure your tickets now and get behind the Knights as they look to finish the season on a high.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their side to face Coventry at the Nick Newbold Stadium tomorrow.

Andrew Turner and Cole Keith start in the front row, with Fred Davies packing down at hooker. Captain Ben Murphy partners Adam Hopkinson in the second row.

The back row sees Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait on the flanks, with Viliamu at number eight.

In the backs, Morgan Bunting comes in at fly-half, while Russell Bennet provides cover at full-back. Alex Dolly starts at scrum-half, and the centre partnership remains unchanged, with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts continuing together in midfield.

Zach Kerr and Matt McNab are named on the wings.

On the bench, Ben Chapman provides cover at hooker, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Lewis Thiede named as replacement props. Morgan Jones and Jasper McGuire complete the forward replacements.

Ollie Fox is the replacement scrum-half, while Semesa Rokoduguni is set to return from injury from the bench. Aidan Cross is also included among the replacements.

SQUAD: 1. Andrew Turner,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Josh Bainbridge 7. Rhys Tait, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Matt McNab, 15. Russell Bennett.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Jasper McGuire, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Aidan Cross, 23. Semesa Rokoduguni. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Telusa Veainu, Conor Davidson, Ryan Olowofela 

Unavailable loan players: Patreece Bell, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Support the whole Doncaster Rugby community with an exciting weekend of rugby at Castle Park on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March.

Saturday kicks off with a big occasion for the club’s junior section, as Doncaster U14s take on Yarnbury U14s in the Yorkshire Cup Final. The match gets underway at 11:00am on Pitch 1, promising a fantastic showcase of young talent.

Later in the day, attention turns to the senior side as Doncaster Knights face Coventry, with coverage available via live stream. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm, with bar details to be confirmed.

The action continues into Sunday, with an exciting Doncaster Demons double header, as the women’s rugby continues to go from strength to strength at Castle Park. 

The 1XV host Trafford at 2:00pm on Pitch 1 and the 2XV take on Retford at 3:00pm on Pitch 4 (artificial pitch)

It’s set to be a full weekend of rugby for players, supporters, and families alike come down and show your support!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Hill House School have renewed their partnership with the club into the 2025-26 season.

Hill House School are one of the club’s long standing key partners. Their name proudly stands above the hospitality suites on the De Mulder Lloyd stand at Castle Park. This season Hill House have extended their sponsorship with includes the aforementioned premier advertising board, pitchside perimeter advertising boards and driveway advertising boards.

These banners are seen by Knights’ spectators, will feature in match photography which encompasses Knights’ social media (70,000+ followers) and external publications, further the premier advertising board is perfectly primed for extensive coverage through ClubberTV, the league’s official streaming partner, with matches streamed to a national and international audience.

Hill House School’s sponsorship provides them with a presence for their logo on the Knights’ website, www.drfc.co.uk, and it features within the match programme. The ‘Our Partners’ page is used throughout marketing collateral and also features the Hill House School logo.

Hill House School is an award-winning independent day school for children aged 3 to 18 years. Since 1912, it has provided high-quality independent education for families in Doncaster and beyond.

The school has high expectations in all areas and achieves an exceptional standard of academic success, with examination results among the very best in the country. Alongside this academic excellence, pupils benefit from outstanding opportunities in sport and a rich programme of extra-curricular activities. From competitive team sports including rugby, cricket and hockey to achievements in music, drama and art, students are encouraged to develop their talents, perform with confidence and represent the school with pride.

Mr Chris Rose, Head of Rugby at Hill House School, said:

“We are incredibly proud to continue and strengthen our partnership with Doncaster Knights. Rugby at Hill House has grown significantly in recent years, with increasing participation across all age groups and a real enthusiasm for the game throughout the school. Our pupils benefit enormously from being connected to a club with the ambition and professionalism of Doncaster Knights.

“The partnership provides inspiration and aspiration for our young players, allowing them to see first-hand the standards required to succeed in the sport.”

As well as sponsoring the club, Hill House School also played a fundamental role in the success of Rock the Season, organised by the Rotary Club of Doncaster Knights in December. The event helped to raise a significant amount for the Doncaster Knights Foundation.

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights added: “It is fantastic to extend our partnership with Hill House School who are a key partner of the club. The exposure that this sponsorship package will attract will include significant national and international reach, through ClubberTV and the Knights’ social media following, with the Knights being one of the most followed rugby union clubs in England. We look forward to working with Hill House for the remainder of this season and long into the future.”

To find out more about hospitality, sponsorship, networking events and more, contact Tracey Owen, [email protected]

Doncaster Knights Welcomes Force Contracting Services Ltd as Executive Box Holders and Kit Sponsors for 2025/26

Doncaster Knights are pleased to welcome Force Contracting as new Executive Box holders and kit sponsors for the 2025/26 season.

Following their previous hospitality partnership, Force Contracting have expanded their support for the club by taking on Executive Box 8, which they have recently refurbished. The space provides an excellent environment for hosting clients, colleagues, family, and friends, while also offering valuable networking opportunities.

Guests in the Executive Box enjoy Champ Rugby in premium comfort, including a high‑quality hospitality meal, drinks service, a private balcony with padded seating, and exclusive insight through a pre‑match player Q&A.

Force Contracting, established in 2007, are a bespoke Civil Engineering Contractor with specialist expertise in High‑Security Fencing, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and Integrated Systems. Serving multiple sectors across the UK, they deliver projects of increasing technical complexity for Energy Utilities, Nuclear, Renewables, Highway Structures and Rail Infrastructure.

Their branding is prominently displayed at Castle Park through pitch‑side boards, generating strong visibility in‑stadium, across match photography, on social media, and to national and international audiences via Clubber TV. As kit sponsors, their logo appears on both the home and away shorts, further enhancing exposure through players on the field and replicas worn by supporters. A signed, framed pair of shorts is also showcased in their Executive Box.

Ben Layden, Managing Director at Force Contracting Services, commented:

“At Force Contracting we believe in diligence and taking full ownership of our work, principles that mirror the foundations of a strong rugby team. Bringing the right people together and giving them the best resources to thrive is central to our approach. We are gaining real value from our partnership with Doncaster Knights and look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Force Contracting as executive box holders for the 2025-26 season. Force Contracting are also valued sponsors with their logo on the kit, advertising boards around Castle Park, and it is always a pleasure to welcome them to hospitality and sponsors and networking events.”

You can find out more about Force Contracting at https://forcecontracting.co.uk/

To find out more about hospitality, sponsorship, networking events and more, contact Tracey Owen, [email protected]

Doncaster Knights are proud to announce Russells as our grounds equipment and machinery partner.

Russells have been serving the Yorkshire farming community since 1921. Prior to this, they had been founded in 1949 by talented Blacksmith George Russell who designed and developed an award-winning range of horse drawn seed drills. Nowadays Russells encompasses ten agricultural and two groundcare depots representing more than 100 industry leading brands in the farm machinery sector.

Russells are a highly valued partner of the Knights, with an executive box located in the De Mulder Lloyd Stand and pitchside perimeter advertising boards. In exchange they have supported the Knights by providing a Kubota G231 Sit and Ride High Tip Mower, Kubota B2-261 Tractor and Wessex 1.5 tonnes Tipper Trailer, vital for the club’s grounds preparation.

The Knights are delighted to welcome Andrew Waddington and Paul Russell from Russells and their guests to Knights’ matches. Agricultural Sales Manager Andrew Waddington said, “Rugby is more than just a sport, it is about community, passion, hard work and trust, values that are similar to our own. Supporting the Knights by providing leading grounds equipment ensure the Knights have the foundations to impress in the Champ over the coming years.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial said: “We are delighted to partner with Russells, manufacturer and supplier of leading grounds equipment. Their off the field contributions have enabled Castle Park to showcase facilities that not only makes our home one of the most respected grounds in the Champ, but one that has also hosted international fixtures and a number of other fixtures this season.“

For more information on Russells visit their website here.

If you are interested in sponsorship and hospitality opportunities at Doncaster Knights, please email Tracey Owen on [email protected].