ORB Recruitment become latest sponsor of Doncaster Knights

We are delighted to add a new sponsor onto our roster this season with ORB Recruitment.

With their head office based in Doncaster, ORB are a leading recruitment company, who pride themselves on creating personal and purpose-built solutions, unique for each client. In doing this they have become a leading agency within their chosen markets, such as manufacturing/production, healthcare, construction, and engineering. ORB have committed to a multi-faceted deal this season, taking the back of shorts sponsorship, and a 150th anniversary package, which includes the player sponsorship of prop, Joe Jones.

ORB Recruitment CEO, Stewart Olsen couldn’t make it to Castle Park for the photo shoot, however their Business Development Manager, Michael Kilby-Scott, a Knights fan, did the honours. Olsen shared his joy in the agreement, however, saying: “Since I started ORB Recruitment in 2018, our support for our business community as Chamber Sponsor and our local teams have been at the forefront of our ethos. When the opportunity arose to become a kit partner for the Knights, it was a very easy decision to make when I met with Tom and Tracey. Like ORB Recruitment, we feel that there is one way they are heading, and Doncaster Knights’ drive and commitment for Premiership promotion will make this season extremely exciting for the players and the fans”.

Tracey Owen, Sales Executive at Doncaster Knights, stated her delight in the partnership saying “it has been a pleasure working with Stewart and Michael and the rest of the team at ORB. As a club, we value the support of local businesses for sponsorship and are delighted to welcome ORB as sponsors and for hospitality throughout the season”

Both parties are very much looking forward to the season ahead, both in a business and sporting sense. Whether you are looking for a change from your current recruitment supplier, looking to add another option to your talent acquisition function, or completely outsource recruitment as a whole, ORB are there to help. To learn more about what ORB Recruitment has to offer, see more on their website.

To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: towen@castle-park.co.uk; or via telephone 01302 831388.

Gray & Sons sign deal as kit sponsor for 2024/25 season

We are very pleased to announce the first year of kit sponsorship with Gray & Sons Interior Shopfitters Ltd.

Doncaster-based company, Gray & Sons, is a fit-out company who work on a national scale. Established in 2011, with a staff force of over 100 years of experience in the construction industry, Gray & Sons have vast experience working in commercial, retail, leisure, healthcare and education, and with such big name companies such as JD, LEGO and Manchester Airport.

Gray & Sons, headed by Director, Lee Gray, has been involved with the Doncaster Mini Juniors for many years, and last year decided to take a further involvement with the club as a sponsor for both the Knights and Phoenix. This season he committed to a larger deal, appearing on this season’s 150th Anniversary kit as the rear left leg short sponsor. Director, Lee, said “Doncaster Knights is very special to me, our business, and to the community. With my son in the Mini Juniors set-up here, I see first hand what an impact rugby has on him and it was a no-brainer to get further involved in such a brilliant club with such high aspirations”

Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights, Tom Foy, expressed his delight in regards to the club’s new kit sponsor with Gray & Sons Interior Shopfitters: “This sponsorship represents a significant boost for the Knights, strengthening their commercial partnerships and helping to support the team’s continued growth. The collaboration with Gray & Sons is expected to provide mutual benefits, with the sponsorship gaining exposure within the rugby community while the Knights benefit from the support of a respected local business.”

Lee is a season ticket holder and was delighted with the Knights’ performance against Ampthill and is excited to see how the rest of the season pans out, along with the rest of us here at Castle Park. The relationship built over the course of this year is one that both parties hope will last for many seasons to come. To learn more about what Gray & Sons do and what their company has to offer, see more on their website.

Knights sign two Bath players to bolster squad

Doncaster are delighted to announce the addition of two more players for the 2024/25 season. Arthur Green (back row) and Will Parry (centre) will join Castle Park on a season-long loan from Bath RFC.

The pair have been through a lot of rugby together, with their careers making real progress whilst at Sherborne School. Both Green and Parry captained their 1st XV side, displaying real talent and leadership from a young age.

With Sherborne being in north-west Dorset, they were drafted into the Bath RFC academy for U18 and subsequently the England U18 squad, making quite the impression and signing their first pro contracts with the West Country club after leaving school in 2022.

Arthur and Will both opted to relocate up north and attend Durham University, studying Sociology and Geography accordingly, whilst representing the Palatinates’ 1st team and being key members of their squad last season.

The pair haven’t always been joined at the hip, in 2023 during the World Cup, Will had the opportunity to train with the senior squad before the Fiji game, saying how inspirational it was. Meanwhile, Arthur was selected for the 2024 U20s World Cup, making two appearances and scoring in the final against France to win the tournament.

Both boys are entering their final year of university and will be joining the Knights to keep their competitive rugby going, whilst also focusing on their studies and being closer to Durham. We look forward to immersing them into the squad and seeing what they have to offer. 

Prem Cal sign with Knights as new kit sponsor

We are very pleased to announce the inaugural year of sponsorship with Premier Calibration. 

Based in Doncaster, Prem Cal are a calibration company, priding themselves on performing precision services and engineering solutions across a range of sectors to ensure devices and instruments of all industries operate safely and efficiently. A family business formed over 25 years ago, they assure to build business relationships that last a lifetime.

For their first season with us, Prem Cal have committed to a deal as one of bottom of shirt sponsors and we, as a club, are delighted with how it looks. Our Commercial Sales Executive, Tracey Owen, said that she is “absolutely delighted to welcome Prem Cal and Paul Niles Jr. as a very valued sponsor for this year. Paul is a huge rugby fan, so we are pleased to welcome a business who can share in the love of the game, whilst showcasing everything their company has to offer.”

 

Company Director at Prem Cal, Paul Niles Jr., stated: “We are really excited to partner with the Doncaster Knights for the upcoming season, on the 150th Anniversary for the club. We can’t wait to see how the season unfolds for our home rugby club, which we love and are now proud to be part of.”

Both parties are looking forward to, what promises to be, an exhilarating season, and hope this is a relationship that continues for seasons to come and one that will stand the test of time. To learn more about what Prem Cal do and what their company has to offer, see more on their website.

Start of Season Lunch

The start of season dinner makes its return!

Knights agree partnership with Hilton Garden Inn

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the new partnership with the Hilton Garden Inn, on Leger Way. This collaboration aims to enhance the experience for rugby fans and visitors to the city on match days, providing premium hospitality services, alongside top-tier rugby entertainment.

This agreement between the Knights and the hotel is set to bring a multitude of benefits: the Knights will have access to Hilton’s exceptional facilities and services, including accommodation, event hosting, fitness centre, and catering. The deal will also enable visiting teams and fans to rest their heads in a great set-up ready for a weekend game.

Tom Foy, Doncaster Knights’ Head of Commercial, shared his thoughts on the new partnership between the club and the Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
“We are proud to be collaborating with a prestigious brand like Hilton, which aligns with our commitment to providing top-notch experiences for our fans, players, and visiting teams. We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Located idyllically on the historic grounds of Doncaster Racecourse, the Hilton Garden Inn is only 2.3 miles from Castle Park, making it the closest hotel to our ground and therefore the ideal place to book into. Not only that, but it is a 10 minute drive from Doncaster Train Station, which is a major link to London, only a 90-minute journey.

To learn more about Hilton Garden Inn, or to enquire about a stay, visit their website, or follow on X (formerly Twitter) at: @HGIDoncaster

Knights and Heineken extend partnership

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce an extension of the club’s partnership with Heineken.

The lager producers, originating in The Netherlands, have been supplying Doncaster Knights with alcoholic beverages since 2020. With seven beer breweries and cider plants across the UK, including the famous brewery in Tadcaster, we are lucky to be associated with one of the leading alcohol producers in the world.

Initially starting as a lager producer, Heineken has expanded it’s business through the years and produces many beloved ales and ciders too, including Strongbow, which is the UK’s number-one-selling cider, and available on draught at Castle Park.

Heinken is also renowned for producing many well-known beverages, including Fosters, Desperados, Bulmers, Murphy’s, Newcastle Brown, Sol, Old Mout and many more.

On the extension of the partnership, Doncaster Knights’ Head of Commercial, Tom Foy said:
“We are delighted to announce the extension of the partnership between Doncaster Knights and Heineken. This renewed collaboration marks a significant step for the club, ensuring continued support from one of the world’s leading beer brands.”

“The partnership will bring mutual benefits, enhancing the fan experience at matches with Heineken’s premium products and reinforcing the brand’s presence in the sports community. We look forward to a successful and thriving relationship moving forward.”

The deal sees the partnership stretch for another 3-years, with Castle Park offering a wide range of drinks on tap next season including Heineken, Cruzcampo, Moretti, John Smiths, Strongbow and Amstel.
Please drink responsibly.

To learn more about Heineken, visit www.heineken.co.uk or follow on X (formerly Twitter) at: @Heineken_UK  

Commercial | Clarks Vehicle Conversions signs 3 year partnership with the Knights

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce a three-year partnership with Clarks Vehicle Conversions, starting this season.

The multi-faceted agreement welcomes Clarks as our new Digital Matchday Partner and Match Highlights Partner. 

Alongside the agreement, Clarks have kindly supplied a bespoke “Kit Van” conversion, allowing the Knights to safely (and stylishly) transport equipment on away days and off-site training sessions. 

Doncaster Knights’ Head of Commercial, Tom Foy, had this to say about the new partnership:
“We are thrilled to partner with Clarks Vehicle Conversions. Their expertise and commitment to quality align perfectly with our values at Doncaster Knights. This partnership will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also strengthen our community ties. We look forward to a successful collaboration.”

Clarks Vehicle Conversions are specialist vehicle converters with 40 years of experience within their field. Clarks transform many different vehicles in innovative ways to produce their “Unapologetically Functional” conversions, including; Welfare VehiclesCrew Carriers and Racking Vans. Clarks pride themselves on Converting Vehicle Correctly (CVC) every time, as well as being the “Type Approval Experts”.

From their humble beginnings to becoming the leading Welfare conversion company in the UK, Clarks have always been Doncaster based and supported the local community. As such this new partnership with Doncaster Knights is a point of pride for both parties and Doncaster as a whole. 

Clarks’ Sales Director, David Chilvers, outlined his enthusiasm in the agreement stating:
“I am thrilled to announce our new sponsorship partnership with Doncaster Knights. This collaboration represents our commitment to supporting community initiatives and promoting sportsmanship. We believe in the power of teamwork, both on the field and in business, and are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will bring to our community.”

For more information about Clarks Vehicle Conversion and their range of vehicle conversion, please contact Sales Director, David Chilvers, by email at david.chilvers@cvcltd.co.uk or visit van-conversion.co.uk 

 

Executive Box Package Available

Are you a loyal Knights follower? Excited by the new signings? Want to enjoy the games with the hospitality perks for you and your company? Then read on and learn what you can enjoy with the Executive Box Package at Doncaster Knights for the 2024-25 season. 

Here at Doncaster Knights, we are offering the chance for your company to experience every home matchday with maximum enjoyment. With the opportunity of watching at least 15 home matches throughout the season, you can make the most of your time at Castle Park with luxury.

What you can expect in your package is a fully catered two-course meal, included with drinks service, a half-time sweet treat, complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day, and the choice of 2 bottles of wine or a bucket of beers.

You and your company will also have access to your own private balcony, included with padded seating, a matchday team sheet, four complimentary parking spaces and visits from players on the matchday.

Your company would not only benefit from these exclusive matchday perks, but you would also receive plenty of exposure both on and off the pitch with your company logo appearing on the digital matchday programme, the scoreboard before each game in a partners loop, pitch-side perimeter board and a board above your box.

Additional to this, your company have access to website and social media activity on request to promote your business and partnerships, and visits from two of our first team players for added promotion. As an additional ‘thank you’ for the purchase of this Executive Box Package, you will be gifted a signed framed shirt from one of our players, and four additional season tickets.

For more information and enquiries into the Executive Box Package, please contact Tom Foy (tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk) or Tracey Owen (towen@castle-park.co.uk).

Roko becomes a Knight

Doncaster Knights are delighted to welcome LCpl Semesa Rokoduguni for the 2024/25 season

Born in Nausori, Fiji, Semesa “Roko” Rokoduguni has always been a rugby enthusiast. He began his career in the Army, playing rugby at an amateur level before representing the Army’s rugby team on multiple occasions.

In 2012, at the age of 25, Roko signed a professional contract with Bath Rugby and stayed with the Premiership club for an amazing 10 seasons, playing 194 times for the club and scoring 71 tries. In 2022, he then moved to French D2 side, US Montauban, excited for a new challenge. Roko accumulated 45 appearances for Montauban, racking up 10 tries in the process.

While balancing his rugby with a career in the Army, Roko holds the rank of Lance Corporal and also served in Afghanistan. To top off an exciting life, Semesa also represented England on four occasions, scoring four times, with his debut being against the All Blacks in the 2014 Autumn Internationals.

Head coach, Joe Ford, is delighted with Roko’s arrival, stating how “his experience and knowledge of the game will certainly boost the squad both on and off the pitch. He’s an incredible player and we are so excited to introduce him to the rest of the boys.”

We look forward to Roko’s arrival at Castle Park, and hope he has a successful and impactful season.

Roko is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk or Tracey Owen at towen@castle-park.co.uk

Sam Olver joins Wall of Centurions

A new Knight has been inducted onto the Centurions Wall at Castle Park, as last season, fly-half Sam Olver made his 102nd appearance on his final game for Doncaster against Hartpury.

Sam joins the likes of Paul Jarvis, Bevan Armitage, Steve Boden, Chris Hallam and many more. As shown on the displayed photos, Sam fits onto the wall very well and will be remembered for years to come.

Sam racked up 5 tries, 121 conversions, 80 penalties and a drop-goal during his time at the Knights, totalling 507 points in his 6 seasons. Olver also had an impressive win percentage of 62%.

We wish Sam all the best in his future endeavours.