Castle Park Undergoes Major Summer Improvements Ahead of the 2026-27 Season

19th June 2026

Doncaster Knights are making significant progress with a comprehensive programme of summer improvements across Castle Park, including a major floodlight upgrade to the main pitch and extensive renovations across the club’s playing surfaces.

State-of-the-Art Floodlight Upgrade

As part of the minimum operating standards required for participation in Elior Champ Rugby, Doncaster Knights have invested in a substantial upgrade to the floodlighting system on Pitch 1.

The new installation is capable of achieving 650 LUX levels, placing Castle Park amongst the best-equipped venues in the league for matchday lighting. The enhanced system will not only improve visibility and atmosphere for supporters attending evening fixtures but will also significantly enhance the viewing experience for audiences watching through the Champ’s broadcast partner, Clubber TV.

The investment reinforces the club’s commitment to providing a first-class environment for players, supporters, broadcasters and commercial partners alike.

Pitch Renovations Progressing Well

Alongside the floodlight upgrade, extensive renovation work has been taking place across Castle Park’s playing facilities throughout the summer.

Pitch 1 is already in excellent condition ahead of the new season, despite there still being more than two months until the first Elior Champ Rugby fixture and pre-season friendly fixture, which will be confirmed in due course.

Renovation work on Pitches 2, 5 and 6 is also progressing well. These pitches play a vital role in supporting the club’s wider rugby community and are regularly used by Doncaster Phoenix, Doncaster Demons, and the Doncaster RFC Mini & Junior Section.

Meanwhile, Pitch 4 (AGP) has successfully passed its bi-annual World Rugby inspection, ensuring the facility remains fully compliant and safe for both training sessions and competitive fixtures throughout the coming season.

Significant Investment in Community Facilities

One of the most substantial projects undertaken this summer has been the complete renovation of Pitch 3.

The pitch has undergone a full re-levelling programme as part of a significant investment into the club’s community and junior rugby provision. The improvements will dramatically enhance playing conditions and further elevate the standard of grass pitches available across the Castle Park site.

These developments underline Doncaster Knights’ continued commitment to investing in facilities that benefit not only the first team but also the hundreds of players who use Castle Park every week through community rugby programmes.

With preparations continuing throughout the summer, the club looks forward to welcoming supporters, players and partners back to an improved Castle Park ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Head Groundsman Lee Blagden, alongside Tom Lindley and Andrew Huxley, for their continued efforts throughout the summer in preparing and improving the playing surfaces across Castle Park.

The club would also like to recognise the efforts of Facilities Manager, Iain Audsley for his hard work in procuring and overseeing the delivery of the new floodlight installation.

These projects represent a significant investment by the Board into the future of Castle Park and demonstrate the club’s ongoing commitment to continually improving its facilities for players, supporters, partners and the wider rugby community.