Twins, Jordan and Ryan, have both put pen to paper to remain at Doncaster Knights for another season.

The dynamic duo have brought experience, individuality, and excitement to the squad, with unmatched pace, confidence under the high ball, and sharp footwork making them a key part of the club’s DNA.

Jordan, who joined the club a season before his brother Ryan, was Doncaster Knights’ top try scorer during the 2024/25 campaign. A naturally gifted rugby player, Jordan signed for Leicester Tigers at just 19 years old.

In 2018, he enjoyed an outstanding year with the England U20s squad, representing his country in both the Six Nations and World Rugby U20 Championship. Jordan crossed the whitewash on several occasions in both tournaments, including a brace in the World Cup final against France, where England finished runners-up. He has also gained valuable experience overseas, spending time on loan with Super Rugby Pacific side Western Force, before later featuring for Newport Dragons.

Twin brother Ryan is no stranger to international honours either. A standout in the sevens format, he made his England debut at the Rugby Europe Grand Prix Sevens Series in Moscow in 2017, progressing onto the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series the following year.

During the 2018/19 season, Ryan scored 15 tries in 39 appearances for England and earned 64 sevens caps overall before linking up with Premiership side Northampton Saints at the end of the campaign.

In 2022, Ryan joined Jersey Reds, where he spent a season before moving to Nottingham Rugby. During the 2024/25 season, he finished as Nottingham’s top try scorer with 11 tries. This season, he has continued that form at Doncaster Knights, scoring seven tries in just 15 appearances and currently sitting as the club’s second highest try scorer.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said: 

“Ryan had just started to find his feet with the squad before his injury, which was really promising. He’s a clear talent and has benefited from Fordy coming into the club. Aerially, he’s one of the best in the competition. I’m excited to see him get a run of games, and I’m confident we’ll see his quality shine through next season.”

“We know how talented Jordy is, and his natural ability to finish. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen as much of him as we would have liked due to injuries. He’s a great lad and I’m really pleased he’ll be with us again next season.”

We are delighted to have both the twins with us again next season. 

 

Doncaster Knights produced an excellent display against London Scottish to claim another five points at home with a 34–5 victory.

It was a stalemate for the opening 20 minutes, with both teams defending well but neither side firing in attack. It was the visitors who found their way over the line first, as a clever dummy from Jimmy Staples opened the space for him to score. 0–5.

Scottish were then denied any further points for the remainder of the game as the Knights began to open up in attack and remained clinical in defence.

Bunting kicked a penalty into the corner to give the Knights a five-metre lineout, and after a dominant maul, Ben Chapman managed to drive his way over after the inclusion of a few backs added the final bit of power. Dolly added the conversion. 7–5.

The Knights were dominant at scrum time on many occasions, and a scrum penalty on the 30-minute mark allowed Bunting to kick to touch. The Knights were back inside the five-metre line, but a knock-on meant Scottish had a scrum. However, Doncaster continued to graft and, straight from the scrum, held up the ball carrier and stripped possession. The ball was then moved quickly out wide and Kerr powered over in the corner. 12–5.

A highlight of the night saw prop Logovi’i Mulipola break into space and carry the ball from the 22-metre line to within five metres. The crowd loved it and roared him on, but Scottish did well to tackle him just short of the line.

Half-time score: 12–5.

Veainu opened the second half by reminding Castle Park of his talent. Bennett put in a lovely chip through Scottish’s defensive line, and as it bounced awkwardly, Veainu stretched out one hand, juggled the ball, secured it, and grounded it over the line. 17–5.

Kerr then claimed his second of the game from a brilliant team effort. Adam Hopkinson made an impressive take under the high ball, beating a winger and keeping hold of possession. The Knights then moved the ball out to Bennett, who spotted space in the backfield. He put boot to ball looking for the 50:22. His kick looked set to go out, but out of nowhere Kerr showed impressive pace to gather it before it reached touch and race away to score in the corner. 22–5.

Five minutes later, Kerr secured his hat-trick. It all started on the opposite wing with some brilliant Veainu footwork. He stepped through defenders before offloading to Rhys Tait. Tait chipped the ball up the wing and the forwards did the hard work at the breakdown to retain possession. With the Knights now inside the 22, they moved the ball wide, and Bunting’s excellent long pass out to Kerr allowed him to finish his third try. 27–5.

Rokoduguni then showed his class to ignite further momentum for Doncaster. He perfectly timed his tackle on a player catching a high ball, leaving him exposed, before immediately jumping over to jackal the ball and win a penalty. Bunting kicked the Knights back into the 22.

A handful of phases later, the Knights had a scrum under the posts. Alex Dolly produced a lovely dummy to open the gap and go through to the line. He converted his own try to leave the final score at 34–5.

The Knights have a break next week, however you can catch the Yorkshire Academy in action at Castle ePark as they take on Northampton Saints Academy in three games. On Saturday 25th April, U16s game one, 12:30PM, U16’s game two, 1:45pm and u17s 3:30PM. 

The following weekend sees Doncaster take on Caldy away, before returning to Castle Park on Saturday 9th May to face Nottingham. (Note: this fixture is a 3pm KO due to all league games being played at the same time). Secure your tickets here!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face London Scottish at Castle Park tomorrow.

The starting forward pack remains unchanged from last week’s side that defeated Richmond 31-10. Logovi’i Mulipola starts at loosehead, with Cole Keith at tighthead, while Ben Chapman keeps the number two shirt.

In the second row, the recently re-signed duo of Ben Murphy and Adam Hopkinson pair up once again, with Rhys Tait, Josh Bainbridge and East Timor Viliamu making up the back row.

The replacement front row consists of loosehead Conor Davidson and tighthead Lewis Thiede, with Fred Davies providing cover at hooker. Morgan Jones and Jasper McGuire are also named among the forward replacements.

The half-backs remain unchanged, with Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting pulling the strings. Russell Bennett moves into the centres alongside Joe Margetts, with Zach Kerr shifting onto one wing and Semesa Rokoduguni on the other.

Telusa Veainu remains at full-back. Ollie Fox, Aidan Cross and Matt McNab are named among the replacements.

You can secure your ticket for the penultimate home game here! tickets 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Rhys Tait 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Russell Bennett 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 15. Telusa Veainu.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Jasper McGuire, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Aidan Cross, 23. Matt McNab.  

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Ryan Olowofela, Jordan Olowofela, Connor Edwards. 

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

 

Doncaster Knights can confirm that Andrew Turner has been released from his contract with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in the Premiership with Harlequins, who are currently managing a number of injuries within their squad.

Turner follows the footsteps of bighead prop Joe Jones, who left the Knights earlier in the season for the London outfit. 

The loosehead prop departs the club having made 29 appearances across the last two seasons, during which he established himself as a key figure both on and off the field. A consistent and influential presence in the squad, Turner has played an important role in the club’s environment.

Everyone at Doncaster Knights is delighted to see Drew earn this opportunity and would like to thank him for his efforts, wishing him every success for the future.

Doncaster Knights are delighted to confirm that Alex Dolly will remain with the club for the upcoming season.

Heading into his sixth season with the Knights, the Australian-born scrum-half has firmly established Doncaster as his home, becoming a key figure both on and off the field.

Dolly reached the milestone of 100 appearances this season, underlining his importance to the club and cementing his place as a core member of the squad. A natural leader, he continues to play a vital role within the group, driving standards and supporting those around him.

Despite facing a long-term injury at the start of the season, Dolly remained ever-present within the squad environment, continuing to lead, analyse, and support his teammates off the field during his time on the sidelines.

Speaking on his decision to re-sign, Dolly said:

“I’m really glad to have re-signed with the club. It’s a club that means a lot to myself and has given me so much. So as we move into a new chapter, I look forward to giving it a good crack and hopefully producing the results the group and everyone around the club wants.”

Head Coach Darren Fearn added:

“The first word that comes to mind with Dolly is competitor, a bloke who says it how it is. We’ve missed him for large parts of this season, which has been a big loss for us. Having him back fit and competing with Foxy is exactly what the squad needs. Let’s not forget he’s a top class goal kicker, as we saw at the weekend, that will be key for us in putting points on the board moving forward.”

Doncaster Knights are pleased to confirm that Adam Hopkinson will remain with the club for the upcoming season.

A product of the Doncaster Knights Academy, Hopkinson has worked his way through the ranks to establish himself as a key figure in the first-team squad.

Comfortable across both the back row and second row, his versatility and intent make him a valuable asset to the side. Hopkinson consistently brings a physical edge to his performances, combining relentless work rate with a strong presence in contact.

His recent performances have underlined his growing influence, most notably this week when he was awarded CHAMP MVP of the round. Hopkinson achieved a league-high rating of 9.3 on the Champ Impact Score following an outstanding display against Richmond. In what proved to be a fiercely physical contest, he delivered a dominant all-round performance, winning four turnovers, securing multiple lineout steals, and making a number of powerful, dominant collisions.

Reflecting on his time at the club and his decision to re-sign, Hopkinson said:

“I think as a group this season has been a serious test of character for many reasons and I still really enjoy my time at the club with the players, the supports and the staff, especially the ones who’ve been with me at the beginning of this journey. Which is why I am always so proud to represent this club and to continue doing so under some amazing coaches who can really help progress my game again next season taking another step forwards.”

Head Coach Darren Fearn added:

“Hoppy is a proud Yorkshireman who didn’t hesitate to re-sign with the club, which tells you a lot about him. He’s now had a run of games and we’re starting to see his impact. He’s worked hard alongside Murph and Bambi on his lineout, improving week after week. Players like Hoppy will be the cornerstone of this club for a long time”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to confirm that club captain Ben Murphy will remain with the club for the upcoming season.

Murphy has been an integral member of the squad over the past four seasons, consistently leading by example and giving 100% in every aspect of his game.

A player capable of turning the tide at crucial moments, Murphy has a proven ability to get his side out of trouble, whether through a lineout steal, a jackal, or stripping the ball in contact. Time and again, the Knights can rely on ‘Murph’ to shift momentum when it matters most.

His influence extends far beyond the pitch. A true leader, Murphy plays a vital role off the field as well, supporting not only his teammates but also the wider club, including staff and supporters.

Currently sitting on 90 caps, Murphy is set to reach the milestone of 100 appearances next season. Speaking about his decision to re-sign and the club’s direction, he said:

“This season hasn’t gone the way we hoped, but I still believe deeply in this club. I am always proud to represent the Doncaster badge and I’m determined to help drive us back to where we belong.”

Head Coach Darren Fearn added:

“Murph is a big part of the squad we’re building. His leadership and what he brings day to day are key for us moving forward. As a player, I believe he’s one of the best line out operators in the Champ, we saw that first hand on Friday. We are really happy Murph will be with the club next season.”

Yorkshire Academy are set to take the stage at Castle Park again this month. With three back to back games against Premiership Academy, Northampton Saints. 

Saturday 25th April 

U16s (Pitch 1)

Game 1 – 12:30PM Kick Off

Game 2 – 1:45PM Kick Off 

U17s (Pitch 1) 

3:30PM Kick Off

Free entry

Support the future of Yorkshire rugby and fill the void as Doncaster Knights have a weekend off. 

Doncaster put in a strong defensive first half before opening the floodgates with a brilliant attacking display in the second, securing a five-point win over Richmond.

Jordan Olowofela crossed the try line first after Morgan Bunting produced a superb offload in the tackle to create space for the winger. Olowofela showed great pace to finish, and Dolly added the extras to make it 7–0.

Doncaster then worked hard to keep Richmond at bay, with several key moments helping the Knights maintain possession. The forwards impressed, holding up the tackler to win a penalty. Soon after, when Richmond threatened again, Rhys Tait turned the ball over at the breakdown.

The visitors managed just one try in the first half, as their forwards found a gap to drive over. The successful conversion levelled the scores, and a penalty soon after gave Richmond a 10–7 lead heading into half-time.

The Knights began the second half with intent, striking early through a superb try from Josh Bainbridge. Bunting sold a brilliant dummy before attacking the space, drawing in the final defender and slipping the ball inside to Bainbridge, who dived over. Dolly converted once again to make it 14–10.

Rokoduguni was next to cross for Doncaster. After a well-executed lineout, the forwards came close but were held up just short. Quick ball movement followed, with Margetts sending a long pass to Veainu, who carried into contact before offloading to Rokoduguni to finish. 19–10.

Centurion Connor Edwards then secured the bonus point on his 100th appearance for the Knights. Dolly’s quick thinking sparked the move, taking a quick tap penalty before firing a long pass to Edwards. The centre hit the ball at pace, powering through the Richmond defence from around 30 metres out. Dolly added the conversion to extend the lead to 26–10.

Doncaster’s forwards continued to dominate, winning a scrum penalty to gain entry into the 22. A few phases later, Bunting provided another assist with a long pass out to Rokoduguni, who crossed for his second try. 31–10.

The Knights rounded off the match with another strong defensive effort, turning the ball over at the breakdown as Richmond pressed on the line.

Full-time: Doncaster Knights 31–10 Richmond.

The Knights now turn their attention to the second home game in a row, with Saturday rugby returning to Castle Park. Secure your tickets here!

Connor Edwards is preparing to make his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights this Friday night, marking a major milestone in a journey he admits has turned the club into his “home”.

“It is massive, both for me and my family,” Edwards said. “It’s a club that means a lot to me, it’s under my skin now. After originally coming here for a nine-game loan and 90 games later I’m still here.

“When I look back on my career, this will be one of the places I class as my home club.”

The milestone reflects not only longevity, but growth, with Edwards highlighting how his game has developed since his time at Castle Park.

“I think I’ve actually learned a lot from coming here. Technically I think I’m a better player, with the passing side of the game and the skillset sort of thing.”

Looking back on his favourite moments in a Knights shirt, Edwards pointed to last season’s double over Ealing Trailfinders as a defining period.

“Probably Ealing home and away last year,” he said. “They weren’t perfect games, but they probably showed the togetherness of this group, to get those victories that we did.”

Over the course of his century of appearances, Edwards has built strong relationships within the squad:

“I hate to say it, but Dolly is a big one,” Edwards added. “He’s one of my best mates now. When I first joined, I didn’t particularly like him and I don’t think he particularly liked me, but he’s really, really grown on me.

“We’re really good mates now, so yeah, definitely one of the people I’ll stay in touch with when I move on.”

Reaching the landmark at home makes the occasion even more special for the back.

“It’s massive. Like I said earlier, this is probably my home club now and when I look back on my career, it’s going to be something that I’m proud of.

“I know I’ve not quite got the Yorkshire accent yet, but I feel like this is a home now. So to do it in front of our home supporters is massive.”

Attention will quickly turn to Friday night’s opponents Richmond Rugby, with Edwards expecting a fierce challenge from a side battling at the wrong end of the table.

“We know they’re in a relegation battle. They’re going to scrap for everything,” he said. “So it’s massive for us that we match their intensity and take it up another level.

“We’re expecting a good game and hopefully we can turn the results around and start building ready for the boys who are going to stay here next year.”

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Richmond under the lights at Castle Park.

Logovi’i Mulipola returns to the starting XV, joining hooker Ben Chapman and tighthead Cole Keith in the front row. Conor Davidson is back in the matchday squad as a replacement, alongside tighthead Lewis Thiede and hooker Fred Davies.

The second row remains unchanged once again, with Adam Hopkinson and Ben Murphy continuing their partnership in the engine room. Rhys Tait comes back into the starting back row, linking up with fellow flanker Josh Bainbridge and number eight Viliamu East Timor. Ehize Ehizode and Jasper McGuire provide additional forward cover from the bench.

There are two changes at half-back, with Alex Dolly returning to start at scrum-half and Morgan Bunting coming in at fly-half. Connor Edwards starts at inside centre and is set to make his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights. He is joined in midfield by Zach Kerr.

Out wide, Jordan Olowofela and Semesa Rokoduguni are named on the wings, with Telusa Veainu selected at full-back.

Ollie Fox and Russell Bennett are included among the replacements, alongside Joe Margetts as the reserve backs.

You can grab tickets now to this exciting Friday night battle! 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Rhys Tait 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Jordan Olowofela, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Zach Kerr, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 15. Telusa Veainu.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Jasper McGuire, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Russell Bennett, 23. Joe Margetts. 

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

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