The club are thrilled to announce the season-long loan signing of hooker Harri Morris ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Harri joins the Knights on his loan spell from United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh Rugby, for whom he is an Academy player.

Discussing Harri’s signing for the Knights, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re really happy to play a part in Harri’s development. He’s converted from back row to front row, and we’re really impressed with his performances last year when he was on loan to London Scottish.

“We feel like he’s got a lot to learn, but we think he’s got a great attitude to want to be better and a great work ethic as he looks to do so.

“We’ve got a great relationship with Edinburgh Rugby – specifically Steve Lawrie, who played at Doncaster and who I know very well having played with him – so it’s a good relationship to have between the two clubs and also to have that constant communication to help further progress Harri.

“Harri adds a lot of competition to the hooker slot with George Roberts already signed for next season, and we’re excited to see how they compete.”

A product of George Watson’s College’s esteemed rugby programme, Harri has represented Edinburgh throughout the age-grade ranks and has been aligned with Super6 side Southern Knights as part of his Edinburgh Academy contract.

A key part of the Edinburgh U20s team that won the Junior 1872 Cup in 2019 – a game for which he was named man of the match – the young hooker went on to be a part of the Scotland U20s squad for the 2021 U20 Six Nations.

Making his Edinburgh debut in the back row against Ulster in a Rainbow Cup match in June 2021, Harri spent time last season on loan at the Richmond Athletic Ground with London Scottish.

The 21 year old front rower is relishing the opportunity to try to put his best foot forward in Doncaster colours.

“Whilst I’m at Doncaster Knights, I am hoping to bring on my game as a hooker as well as doing all I can to help the Knights do as well as possible throughout the season.”

We look forward to seeing what Harri can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Harri is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email [email protected] for more information.

Doncaster Knights and Umbro UK have teamed up in an exciting new deal that will see Umbro become the Knights’ official technical partners for a multi-year contract starting from the 2023/24 season.

As part of this deal, Umbro will provide the Knights with bespoke match kits, training gear, leisurewear, and replica merchandise. This partnership marks an exciting and ambitious development for the Knights and their fans, as all involved parties eagerly anticipate seeing the team don their new Umbro apparel at Castle Park.

Replica merchandise will be on sale online and in-store over the coming months.

Chris Dolan, Head of Sports Marketing for Umbro UK, commented:

“Doncaster Knights is one of the most exciting teams in rugby union – the club’s rise through the rugby union ranks is unparalleled. We’re proud to become the Knights’ new technical kit partner and look forward to continued success at Castle Park and beyond.”

Tony DeMulder, Chairman of Doncaster Knights said:

“As a brand, Umbro reflects our ambitions for continued growth, and we look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting merchandise.

“We welcome Umbro into the Knights family as our new official kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club as we continue to expand our fanbase.

“For the Knights to run out in the iconic double diamond logo will be a proud moment for our leading Yorkshire club.”

The club can announce the appointment of Emma White in the newly created position of Managing Director.

Emma joins us from a successful career in racecourse management and marketing sport.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Doncaster Rugby Club,” Emma said on her appointment. “I have been a rugby union fan since I was a little girl, cheering on my father at Acklam Rugby Club.

“Of course, we are the home of the extremely successful Doncaster Knights, but the club also boasts superb conference and events facilities that I am eager to utilise to their full potential.”

Doncaster Rugby Club Chairman, Tony De Mulder, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Emma as our new Managing Director.

“Rugby union is going through a very challenging time at the moment with the demise of some very famous clubs which will entail many changes to the top tiers of rugby.

“Emma has huge experience in managing sport stadia and has special skills in marketing and sales promotion, so will be a valuable addition.”

We are delighted to have Emma on board, and we hope her relationship with the club will be a prosperous one.

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of back row Archie Smeaton ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Archie joins the Knights from United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors, for whom he was an Academy player.

Discussing Archie’s signing for the Knights, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “Archie is someone that we know slightly as I coached him in short spells when I was Head Coach at Yorkshire Carnegie. He’s always had a lot of potential from a young age, and we’ve tracked him ever since.

“He’s gone and got his education, and now he’s ready to put his foot down in professional rugby – a brief spell up at Glasgow has given him a taste of it.

“We feel like Archie’s physicality, and his size in the back row, can be a huge benefit to us. He’s got a long way to go and a lot to learn, as he’s only young, but we’re excited to see how he can grow.

“And a big positive for us is that he’s a Yorkshire-born player coming back to the county, which is huge for us as we want people who want to represent the club and if they’re Yorkshiremen, it really adds to their pride in representing the Doncaster badge.”

Born in Cottingham, Archie previously studied at Cambridge University where he represented the prestigious CURUFC’s light blue and white hooped shirt as part of the university’s rugby team.

Moving up to Scotland following his degree, Archie became a part of the Glasgow Warriors Academy for the 2022/23 season and whilst there, he represented Scotland at the 2021 U20 Six Nations.

Having signed for the Knights, the 22 year old back rower is looking forward to going back to his roots.

“I grew up not far away from Doncaster and used to play against their Mini Juniors teams. They’re usually challenging for the top spots in the Championship and that’s something I want to be a part of.”

We look forward to seeing what Archie can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Archie is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email [email protected] for more information.

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of back row Rhys Tait ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Rhys officially joins the Knights from United Rugby Championship side Glasgow Warriors having originally featured on loan for the Knights at the tail end of the 2022/23 season.

Discussing Rhys’s signing full-time in Doncaster, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re delighted that Rhys has come on board with us for next year. Obviously, we got a good look at what he can do last year with him coming on loan at the back end of the season.

“He’s a young man with a lot of aspiration and ambition. He’s very comfortable on the ball and has got a very good skill-set, and he’s hungry to try to kick-on his rugby career.

“So, we think he’s going to add some great competition within our environment, and we’re looking to see him grow in a Doncaster shirt.”

A former Scotland U20s captain, having led the side throughout the 2022 U20s Six Nations campaign, Rhys enjoyed an impressive age-grade career for his country.

A member of the Glasgow Warriors Academy, Rhys’ club rugby exposure includes Super6 sides Boroughmuir Bears and Southern Knights as well as youth rugby for both Hawick and Jed-Forest.

The 20 year old forward – who scored a brace of tries on his Knights debut against Bedford Blues – is happy to be continuing his growth as a player in the Doncaster environment.

“I was welcomed into the squad straight away by all the players and coaches, and I really enjoyed the tight knit group atmosphere in training and games. So, I’m delighted to have signed for the Knights for next season.”

We look forward to seeing what Rhys can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Rhys is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email [email protected] for more information.

The club are thrilled to announce the signing of tighthead prop Corrie Barret ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Corrie joins the Knights from Championship competition Bedford Blues having originally signed at Goldington Road ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Discussing Corrie’s introduction to Castle Park, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re delighted that Corrie has joined us this season. We feel that for a tighthead prop he’s very young in his development and we feel like he’s got a lot of growth in him.

“He’s been at a club that play a very eye-catching brand of rugby, so we know that he’s comfortable around the field and we’ve seen some huge potential in his set-piece.

“He’s got a long way to go, and a lot of work to do, but he’s a good man and people speak very highly of him as a person, which will be very important to him fitting in.”

A prop that can play at loosehead as well, Corrie played for Ulster U19s before a move to New Zealand to join the Otago age-grade set-up provided a platform to return home as a part of the Ulster Sub-Academy.

Later joining Munster ahead of the 2019/20 season, the front rower appeared for Munster A and Garryowen as well as being a member of the Ireland Club XV side that won the Dalriada Cup in 2020.

The 24 year old prop is looking to progress his game in the environment Doncaster provides, especially for its forward pack.

“The decision to sign for Doncaster Knights was a no-brainer. Moving to a full-time environment, with Steve Boden coaching, with his success rate for developing players – and especially props – to progress in their careers.

“The Knights playing style of attritional forwards and exciting backs to finish, made the decision an easy one for me. The opportunity for a fresh start and new healthy competition has me very excited for the season ahead.”

We look forward to seeing what Corrie can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Corrie is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email [email protected] for more information.

The club are ecstatic to announce Doncaster Knights Academy second/back row Adam Hopkinson has signed a first team deal ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Adam spent nearly four years in the Academy set-up having joined in 2020 as a young Yorkshire prospect.

Discussing Adam’s step-up to the first team, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re delighted that Adam has agreed to sign for the club on a first team contract. It’s a great success story that he’s developed his way through the Academy. He got an opportunity at the back end of the 2022/23 season due to injury and I think he’s been a great example of being ready to take your opportunity.

“I think Adam showed that he can compete, and he’s got a lot of potential at Champ level, so we’re really excited to see how much he can grow in the first team environment.

“Another great bonus for us, and something that we’re really passionate about, is that he’s Yorkshire born, and he’s come through the Academy’s pathway, which is showing some of the hard work the club, and Tyson Lewis, has been doing to put in place a pathway here for those lads to step up to professional rugby.

“Obviously it’s very early in Adam’s career, and there’s a lot of work to be done with a long way to go, but we see the potential in him so hopefully he’ll become a first team regular for years to come.”

Academy head coach Tyson Lewis is also delighted at the progress of his player, who follows in the footsteps of Sam Jones, Will Holling and Alan Hudson in graduating from the Academy into the Knights set-up.

“It is with great pride, another member of our Academy graduates to sign their first professional contract with the first team. Adam follows on in the footsteps of other Academy graduates before him.

“It demonstrates our Academy continues to grow and is very much a viable option/pathway for young players to attain their dreams alongside studying an education discipline.

“Adam has been an immensely important cog in the Academy wheel for the last 4 years now and its testament to his fortitude and hard work, that he is now at this point and is about to take his next step on his playing path.

“A popular member amongst his peers, Adam has been an absolute pleasure to coach and witness his growth and development first hand, these attributes put him in great stead for the next challenge. We wish him all the best and look forward to watching the next step of his journey.”

Adam started in the Knights Academy set-up in 2020. His young CV already includes Sandal RUFC, Doncaster Phoenix and representative honours for Yorkshire County and Yorkshire Carnegie’s U16s and U18s. From a leadership standpoint, Adam captained his university side Gloucestershire U20s and South West County U20s.

Adam made his Knights first team debut in February 2023 in a Championship Cup fixture against Coventry at Butts Park Arena before making a further 5 appearances throughout the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

The youngster is looking to progress well with the Knights having overcome instances of doubt in his rugby career.

“This season for me has been the epitome of not knowing what’s around the corner. I’d set this season out to go back to my roots and to enjoy my rugby again with the Academy and Sandal RUFC.

“To have come through the system has definitely been a struggle and I’ve definitely taken the hardest route, but it has made moments with the Knights so much more memorable.

“I can’t thank my family, teammates, girlfriend, and coaches enough for believing in me when I couldn’t. I’m ecstatic about stepping up this season and embracing the challenge of Championship rugby.”

We look forward to seeing what Adam can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

Adam will be sponsored by Leeds Motorcycle Training for the duration of the 2023/24 season – find out more about the business HERE.

We are excited to confirm Doncaster Knights will be heading to North Wales for a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023/24 Championship season.

The Knights will travel to take on RGC 1404 at Stadiwm CSM on Saturday, August 19 for a 5:15pm kick-off.

This will mark a return to old stomping grounds for Knights players George Roberts and Billy McBryde who both previously played for the Welsh side.

RGC Head Coach Ceri Jones said his side “can’t wait to get going” with the fixture and look forward especially to welcoming back their two familiar faces.

This fixture will mark a great opportunity for the Knights coaches to see how their new-look Knights squad may perform away from Castle Park.

The cost of the trip will be £30 per adult, though if numbers are high this could reduce to £25. Info on the different stops made on the journey HERE.

Please contact John Lowe to book your seat on 07977112706.

Doncaster Knights can confirm that assistant coach Nathan Smith has left the club now that the 2022/23 season has drawn to a close.

Following the conclusion of the campaign, Nathan has chosen to explore other opportunities within rugby union, and we wish him every success in his endeavours.

Discussing his experience as a member of the Knights, Nathan said:

“I have really enjoyed my time coaching at Doncaster Knights, and I have been privileged to work with some highly motivated players and staff. I would like to thank the club for providing me the opportunity to develop my coaching further, but feel it is now time for a new challenge. I wish the new squad all the best for the coming season.”

Nathan first arrived in Doncaster from Loughborough Students where he had led the BUCS Super Rugby coaching and forwards play for the men’s National Two rugby programme.

Prior to his arrival at the Knights, Nathan had held an assistant coaching position at Yorkshire Carnegie and a Head Coach position at Ilkley RFC.

Head coach Steve Boden thanked Nathan for his contribution to the Knights throughout his time at Castle Park.

“I’d like to thank Nathan on behalf of the club for the effort he’s put in over the last three seasons. He’s been a highly motivated and respected coach by both staff and players. We wish him well on his next adventure within rugby – we’re sure he’ll make a success of it.”

We’d like to remind renewing season ticket holders that seats for the 2023/24 Championship season have now all gone on general sale to the wider public. 

Following a mixed 2022/23 season, the Knights are ready to head into battle for the upcoming Championship season, due to begin with a welcome, new Cup format that includes Premiership clubs in September 2023. 

Purchase of a season ticket will include entry into all home league and group cup matches, as well as access to a monthly Supporters Night with head coach Steve Boden. 

All tickets, no matter whether Adult or Concession, Terrace or Main Stand, the price will be frozen at £150. 

Also, all Juniors (under 16s) will have FREE entry to all games at Castle Park. 

You can purchase your season ticket HERE now.

Doncaster Knights can confirm that 20 players will leave the club now that the 2022/23 season has drawn to a close.

In the forward pack, the departures will include Jake Armstrong, Bobby Bratton, Jared Cardew, Sam Daly, George Edgson, Will Holling, Sam Hudson, John Kelly, Kai Owen, Jake Pope, Martin Sigren, Thom Smith, Theo Vukasinovic, and James Wayland.

In the backline, the departures will include Joe Green, Alec Lloyd-Seed, Robbie Smith, Jack Spittle, Fraser Strachan, and Will Yarnell.

Head coach Steve Boden thanked all departing players for their contribution to the Knights shirt throughout their time at Castle Park.

“A massive thank you from myself, the club and the supporters for the hard work and the commitment you all put in throughout the 2022/23 season. It wasn’t an easy season to navigate through and I think, testament to all the players, we stuck in there together to make something of it all.

“I wish everybody all the best in the future – you are massively welcome, and hopefully we do see you, back at Castle Park for a beer at some time in the future.”

 

Jake Armstrong

Tighthead prop Jake Armstrong initially arrived from Premiership side Bristol Bears – where he had made 32 appearances since joining in 2018 – for a month-long loan in September 2022 before officially signing as a Knight. The front rower had also appeared as a Knight previously when he joined from Wharfedale in 2015.

Jake has made 23 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Bobby Bratton

Tighthead prop Bobby Bratton signed for the Knights in February 2023 from Scottish Super6 side Watsonians hoping to progress in his personal game as well as add to the overall goals of the team.

Bobby made 3 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions. Bobby has now returned to Scotland to re-join Watsonians.

Jared Cardew

Back rower Jared Cardew signed for the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Championship competition, Richmond, having originally moved there from Exeter University. Named as Richmond’s ‘Most Improved Player’ for last season, Jared was hoping to develop and grow as a player in a full-time rugby set-up in Doncaster.

Jared made 26 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring a try against Bedford Blues at home at Castle Park in October 2022.

Sam Daly

Back rower Sam Daly joined the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Scottish Super6 league side, Watsonians, having excelled for the side and garnering attention from Edinburgh Rugby who signed him on a partnership deal.

Sam made 18 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 4 tries in the process.

George Edgson

Hooker George Edgson is a familiar face around Castle Park having played for the Knights in two different stints, his second seeing him return in the summer of 2021 as an integral part of the Knights pack. No stranger to the Championship, George has also spent time with Hartpury College, Rotherham Titans, Bedford Blues, Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey Reds.

George, throughout his two stints in Doncaster, made 48 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 14 tries in the process – including a hatrick against Nottingham in December 2021.

Joe Green

Scrum half Joe Green arrived in Doncaster in August 2021 from Yorkshire Carnegie having been with the side since 2018. The young back was called into England U20s camp in 2020 and captained Woodhouse Grove School in his childhood rugby.

Joe made 26 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 1 try in the process. Joe is now playing his rugby in Australia with Shute Shield side Southern Districts.

Will Holling

An original Doncaster Knights Academy star, hooker Will Holling became the third youngster to graduate to the first team in April 2019. Having spent time in Australia developing his game with Griffith University, Will returned to Yorkshire as a fully-fledged Knight and the home-town boy quickly became a fan-favourite.

Will made 54 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 16 tries in the process.

Sam Hudson

Back row Sam Hudson arrived at the Knights in August 2021 from Championship competition Ampthill after a standout campaign with the men from the woods in just their second season in the league. This was after the young flanker played a crucial role in the promotion-winning 2018/19 team, for which he was named in the Rugby Paper Team of the Season.

Sam made 32 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 5 tries in the process.

John Kelly

Back row and second row John Kelly signed for the Knights in summer 2021 from Plymouth Albion where he was one of the side’s most consistent performers, clocking up over 50 senior appearances. John was brought to Castle Park fitting the Knights’ want for a relatively untapped young talent looking to take his game to the next level.

John made 49 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 14 tries in the process. As previously announced, John will join Premiership side Newcastle Falcons for next season.

Alec Lloyd-Seed

Fly-half Alec Lloyd-Seed signed for the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Super BUCS side Exeter University for whom he had made 18 appearances, scoring 99 points for his side. The young half-back started his time at the university with some tough competition for the 10 shirt before asserting himself as their go-to choice at fly-half.

Alec made 11 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 2 conversions in the process.

Kai Owen

Loosehead prop Kai Owen arrived in October 2022 from dismantled Premiership side Worcester Warriors. Having originally been part of the Warriors Junior Academy, Kai then gained experienced in senior rugby with Newport and North Midlands U20s before returned to the Worcester fold as a member of the Senior Academy.

Kai made 16 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Jake Pope

Loosehead prop Jake Pope signed mid-season for Doncaster as an unregistered free agent, joining up with the Knights with immediate effect. The front rower had pulled on a Donny shirt before, originally back in 2017, in amongst his time engrossed in the Sale Sharks set-up as well as representing Sale FC.

Jake made 12 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Martin Sigren

Back rower Martin Sigren signed for Doncaster in September 2022 from Super Liga Americana de Rugby side, Selknam Rugby, where he excelled for the Chilean side. The forward is a figurehead of Chilean rugby as he is the current international captain – a prominent contributor to the side’s historic victory over the USA which qualified them for their first ever Rugby World Cup in France 2023.

Martin made 24 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Robbie Smith

Centre Robbie Smith signed for the Knights in the summer of 2022 from Championship competition, Hartpury, whom he originally signed for ahead of the 2019/20 season. For his many features in a Hartpury shirt, Robbie was previously elected to the Rugby Paper’s Championship Team of the Season. Before graduating to the Championship side, the back was also an integral part of the university’s Super BUCS team.

Robbie made 19 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 7 tries in the process.

Thom Smith

Back rower and this season’s co-captain Thom Smith arrived in Donny from Leicester Tigers where he previously captained the Welford Road outfit in the Premiership having been developed through their Academy system. The forward joined the Knights as a young player keen to secure regular game time to enable him to further develop his rugby and Thom has since thrived, excelling on the field and kindly interacting with fans off the field.

Thom made 35 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 8 tries in the process.

Jack Spittle

Winger Jack Spittle came to Doncaster in July 2020 having had a fantastic season with Nottingham which saw him named in the Rugby Paper’s Team of the Season. Having graduated from the successful Nottingham Trent University rugby partnership, Jack began his professional career with a first senior contract ahead of the 2017/18 season. Injury has thwarted most of his current season, but before this, his name was firmly on the scoring list.

Jack made 22 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 11 tries in the process.

Fraser Strachan

Centre Fraser Strachan made the switch to the Knights from Ealing Trailfinders in July 2021 having scored 3 tries in 3 appearances for the Londoners. Fraser developed his talent through the Northampton Saints Academy before making 4 senior appearances for the Premiership side and turning out for Northampton Wanderers in the A League. A serious injury ruled the young back out of the season in just Round 2 this year, unfortunately.

Fraser made 20 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Theo Vukasinovic

Lock Theo Vukasinovic arrived in Doncaster from disbanded Premiership side Wasps in November 2022. The second rower originally joined the Premiership side ahead of the 2019/20 season having been a product of the London Irish Academy system – making his senior Irish debut against his future club in 2014. Theo had previous Championship experience with London Scottish as well.

Theo made 8 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 1 try in the process.

James Wayland

Loosehead prop James Wayland joined the Knights from Australian Shute Shield side, Eastwood, where he spent the 2021/22 season having played for Championship rivals Jersey Reds previously. Having had a successful campaign in the Shute Shield, the prop wanted the opportunity to join the Knights set-up and make the most of his time in Doncaster.

James made 12 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions. James has now returned to Australia to re-join Eastwood.

Will Yarnell

Scrum half Will Yarnell moved to Doncaster ahead of the 2022/23 season from Super BUCS side Exeter University for whom he had made 35 appearances, scoring 11 tries. As well as excelling for Exeter Uni, Will has experienced short bouts of Premiership rugby, appearing twice for Exeter Chiefs and twice for Leicester Tigers. And so, he was excited to transition straight from university into a full-time, professional environment with the Knights.

Will made 14 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 2 tries in the process.