New Albemarle Suite Officially Opens at Doncaster Knights

Albemarle Homes logo

Albemarle Homes is proud to announce the official opening of the Albemarle Suite at Doncaster Knights Rugby Club, further cementing the partnership with one of the region’s most established sports teams. 

The newly refurbished suite, located at Castle Park in Armthorpe, was unveiled during the club’s final pre-season test against Edinburgh Rugby, a thrilling match that ended in a dramatic draw and set the tone for the season ahead. 

The Albemarle Suite has been designed as a welcoming, comfortable and stylish space for guests, partners and supporters to enjoy on matchdays and beyond. The new look reflects Albemarle’s commitment to quality, attention to detail and strong local roots, values shared by the Doncaster Knights both on and off the pitch. 

Pictured at the official unveiling were Charlotte Kirk, Head of Sales at Albemarle Homes, and Bryn Iwanyckyj, Land and Planning Manager, who joined Tony De Mulder, Chairman of Doncaster Knights, to celebrate the launch. 

Tony De Mulder commented, “We are extremely grateful to Albemarle Homes for their suite sponsorship which has enabled Doncaster Knights to improve our facilities and provide a better experience for our sponsors, partners and fans. Proud to align with a local community based company we will continue with our dedication to providing opportunities to our local area in rugby and this sponsorship helps support these worthy causes.”  

The Albemarle Suite will now host a range of matchday hospitality events, club gatherings and community activities throughout the season. 

Charlotte Kirk commented: “We’re incredibly proud to support Doncaster Knights and to see the Albemarle Suite open its doors ahead of what promises to be an exciting season. Community is at the heart of everything we do at Albemarle Homes, and this partnership is another way for us to give something back and celebrate what makes Doncaster such a special place to live.” 

This collaboration is part of Albemarle Homes’ ongoing commitment to supporting grassroots sport and local initiatives across South Yorkshire. 

To find out more about hospitality at Doncaster Knights email [email protected] or call 01302 831388.

Colin Jeorning

Everyone at Doncaster Knights is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Colin Jeorning. 

Colin played for Doncaster during the 1970s and also enjoyed time as captain of the second team.

The funeral will take place on Friday 17th October at 1pm at Rose Hill Crematorium, followed by a celebration of his life which takes place at Castle Park.

The club sends their deepest condolences to all his family and friends at this sad time, he will be massively missed here at Doncaster Knights.

Don Valley Engineering Are The New Doncaster Knights Tunnel Sponsor

A well-established business based in Doncaster since 1947, Don Valley Engineering is known for its supply of world-class machines and material handling systems to the mining, quarrying, iron & steel, minerals and heavy industries. With a strong culture of determination and teamwork, the company’s ethos is closely aligned with that of the Knights – making them a perfect match both on and off the pitch.

The sponsorship will see Don Valley Engineering take pride of place on matchdays, with prominent branding across the top and sides of the players’ tunnel on branded columns and a new match ball plinth.

Club Captain Ben Murphy will lead the team out from the new tunnel setup, flanked by Don Valley’s bold branding as the Knights head into the highly anticipated Champ season.

Lee Ashurst, Managing Director: “Don Valley is a company with strong community values and we are passionate about giving back to our local area. Having followed Doncaster Knights closely, we see their ambition and teamwork as a mirror of our own values. We’re delighted to support their journey and look forward to enjoying the exciting new season as proud sponsors. Come on You Knights!”

This partnership further supports Doncaster Knights’ commitment to growing the game of rugby locally – from grassroots to the elite level – while strengthening community ties and providing accessible sport for families across the region.

Tracey Owen, Commercial Manager at Doncaster Knights RUFC, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Don Valley Engineering Group as the new Tunnel Sponsor at Castle Park. The tunnel is a key focal point on matchdays and their support helps us continue our mission to succeed on the pitch while deepening our impact in the local community.”

As part of the two-year sponsorship, their Directors and staff have already immersed themselves in the Knights family – attending the club’s summer BBQ and looking forward to many more shared moments in the seasons ahead.

🎟 Tickets are on sale now for the Knights’ opening home clash against Cambridge on Saturday 11th October, as the team kicks off its campaign in the new Champ Rugby League.

Don Valley Engineering at Castle Park, Doncaster Knights

 

Premcal Enhance Doncaster Knights Sponsorship For 2025/26

Doncaster Knights are thrilled to announce that Premcal, a leading Doncaster based precision calibration services company have enhanced their sponsorship for the upcoming season.  

Premcal will feature prominently at the top of the backs of our home & away shirts for the 2025/26 season and the launch of the exciting new Champ Rugby League. This bold new position will see the Premcal brand elevated with significantly more visibility during matches, media coverage and the new streaming that is being introduced for games.  

Offering engineering solutions from rail to aviation, motor sport to construction, Premcal have a strong presence in the region’s sporting and business environment. The new agreement reflects a shared commitment to excellence, community and business engagement and on-field success.   

With an enhanced kit sponsorship, Premcal are demonstrating their commitment to supporting Doncaster Knights ambitions on and off the pitch as the Knights remain focussed on promotion. Supporting the local community and businesses is also at the heart of Premcal’s values.  

Paul Niles, MD of Premcal said “We are absolutely delighted and very proud to enhance our sponsorship of Doncaster Knights and their ambitions. This is a collaboration rooted in shared values of teamwork, community, ambition and respect and Premcals’ decision to elevate our support demonstrates our confidence in the Knights’ future.  

Supporting our local community is also close to our hearts and the work that the Knights do in the local community is hugely beneficial”.  

A passionate rugby fan, Paul is excited about showing the support provided by Premcal to fans, the wider community, business community and to the far reaching rugby community.  

The club has also welcomed the continued and enhanced partnership. Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial, Doncaster Knights, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Paul Niles and Premcal  have enhanced their sponsorship of Doncaster Knights with a more prominent position for their business on our kit.  

“Their increased commitment empowers us to pursue our ambitions, strengthens our brand and allows us to deliver even more to our fans and the community. This partnership goes beyond just putting a logo on a shirt, it’s a true collaboration based on mutual respect and shared vision.” 

The latest agreement also sees Premcal extend their support with hospitality and season tickets in our brand new Heineken Lounge. Whether entertaining clients, staff or enjoying time with friends and family, Paul and his guests will enjoy a fantastic atmosphere, delicious street food and padded match day seats.  

The launch of the new Champ Rugby League on Friday 3rd October sees Doncaster Knights visit Nottingham for an evening clash with a kick off of 7.45pm. With the announcement of all Champ Rugby games being live streamed then this adds even more value to Premcal’s sponsorship for 2025/26.  

Connectus Business Solutions Are Doncaster Knights Main Front Of Shirt Sponsor

Connectus Business Solutions, a leading Business Managed Services Partner based in Doncaster, has signed a new multi-year sponsorship agreement with Doncaster Knights.

The agreement will see the company extend their partnership through to the  end of the 2027/28 season.

The company has become a familiar presence in the region’s sporting and business landscape.

And it now boasts a long-standing association with the Knights which reflects Connectus’ wider commitment to local communities and regional sporting initiatives.

Roy Shelton, Group CEO of Connectus, said: “Everyone at Connectus is very excited and proud to be extending and renewing our support for Doncaster Knights. Our commitment to supporting and building great teams is at the heart of what we do at Connectus, an ethos echoed by the hard work of everyone on and off the pitch at Knights. We look forward to many days at Castle Park, cheering on the team alongside our clients, partners and colleagues.

Roy also shares a long-standing personal connection with the club, having played rugby at Castle Park in the 1990s and helped in the construction of the clubhouse during its early development. His ongoing support reflects a genuine commitment to the club’s progress and the local sporting community.

The club has also welcomed the continued partnership. Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial, Doncaster Knights, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Roy Shelton and Connectus Business Solutions have extended their sponsorship of Doncaster Knights over the next 3 seasons. Their long-term commitment and extension to the main front of shirt sponsors demonstrates their confidence in our ambitions to progress Doncaster Knights both on and off the pitch.

“With the Knights’ values linking closely to Connectus of teamwork, respect and enjoyment, their support of the local community and businesses comes at an exciting time with the launch of the Champ League. We are looking forward to working with Roy and his team over the next 3 years and welcoming him, his clients and staff to Doncaster Knights.

New 2025-26 Shirts Are Sponsored By Connectus

The latest agreement sees Connectus take on an expanded role as the club’s principal shirt sponsor, building on previous support and formalising its involvement with key fixtures and campaigns. This season, Connectus will serve as the club’s principal shirt sponsor and extend its support to include sponsorship of Head Coach Darren Fearn. The partnership also includes a wider calendar of events and initiatives, with Connectus backing several key moments in the Knights’ upcoming season.

Connectus are sponsoring the Knights v Edinburgh ‘A’ pre season friendly on Friday 26th September, KO 7pm and the Knights Start of Season Sponsors Lunch, which will take place in October. They are further showing their support with sponsorship of Knights v Caldy on Saturday 3rd January 2026, as part of a wider and club-endorsed activities.

Doncaster Knights welcome Ballards Removals Ltd as new family stand sponsor

Doncaster Knights are absolutely delighted to unveil our brand new family stand – the Ballards Family Stand. 

 Sponsored by local business, Ballards Removals Ltd, our new family stand supports our long term community goals of providing affordable tickets to local families to watch our professional rugby union team, Doncaster Knights, in the Champ League. 

 The exciting partnership with Ballards continues our strong commitment to the local community including our initiative of free tickets for all Under 16s. The relationship with Ballards further enables the Knights to provide affordable rugby union and sporting opportunities to all families. 

 The stand will feature as a prominent aspect of the Doncaster Knights matchday experience, with the stand providing the setting for families to meet, greet and have photo opportunities with first team players. 

 A local family business, Ballards Removals Ltd provided removals, storage, van hire, haulage and logistics. 

 Matt Ballard of Ballards Removals Ltd said: “We are delighted to be the stand sponsor for the new family stand at Doncaster Knights. 

 “We are a brand firmly aligned and heavily involved with Doncaster Knights and the local rugby community, from our boys playing within the Doncaster Knights mini juniors set up and myself in a rugby coaching capacity with the kids.” 

 Tracey Owen, Commercial Manager at Doncaster Knights RUFC added: “We are excited to announce Ballards Group as the new family stand sponsor at Castle Park, home of Doncaster Knights. 

 “The stand will play a pivotal part of making the stadium a fortress and help to push the team on to a successful season and beyond in the new Champ League. 

 “The stand will become the heart of the stadium on a matchday, playing a crucial role in head coach Darren Fearn’s goal of ‘getting our wonderful ground rocking’. 

 “The sponsorship deal allows the Knights to further build relationships with young people in the local community, creating more interest and engagement in our wonderful sport of rugby union, which we continue to strive to promote at all levels.” 

 Tickets are on sale now in the Ballards Family Stand, starting on Friday 26th September with Doncaster Knights vs Edinburgh ‘A’ in a pre-season friendly and all games throughout the season, which starts with our first game against Cambridge on Saturday 11th October.  

 To learn more about Ballards Removals Ltd, please visit their website by clicking here. 

If you are interested about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights and how this can extend your business branding in a fun environment, then please contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388. 

VACANCY: Bar Manager

We’re Hiring: Bar Manager

📍 Location: Castle Park, Doncaster, DN2 5QB
⏱ Hours: 30 per week
💷 Salary: £15.45 per hour

About Us

Doncaster Knights are a leading rugby union club competing in the RFU Championship. Based at Castle Park, we’ve been hosting epic events for our local community ever since we can remember. Together, we’ve built a bespoke venue and helped thousands of people to celebrate in style. 

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Bar Manager to join our busy Conference & Events Team at Doncaster Knights Rugby Club.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the bar operation across our matchdays, conferences, and events. You’ll manage our bar team, including the Assistant Bar Manager, and ensure we deliver an exceptional experience to every guest.

As part of the role, you will also act as Duty Manager on evenings and weekends, taking responsibility for the safe and smooth running of the venue.

What You’ll Do

  • Managing day-to-day bar operations across matchdays, functions, and events.

  • Leading, training, and motivating bar staff to deliver excellent service.

  • Overseeing stock control, ordering, and compliance with licensing laws.

  • Acting as Duty Manager on evenings and weekends, supervising staff and ensuring customer satisfaction.

  • Working closely with the Head of Conference & Events to hit budgets and develop new ideas.

What We’re Looking For

  • Previous bar or hospitality management experience.

  • Strong leadership and organisational skills.

  • Knowledge of licensing, health & safety, and compliance

  • A customer-focused approach with great communication skills.

  • Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and matchdays.

  • A Personal Licence Holder would be an advantage.

Why join us?

  • £15.45 per hour, 30-hour contract.

  • Be part of a dynamic team in a unique rugby club environment.

  • Opportunity to shape and grow the bar service at Doncaster Knights.

Bar Manager – Job Description

 

How to Apply

Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

Start Of Season Lunch

Start of Season Lunch

The start of season dinner makes its return!

Through popular demand, the start of season lunch will be going ahead for our first league game of the season against Cambridge on the 11th October. This event is a brilliant way to bump into old friends, make new ones, and revel as you enjoy your shared love for the Knights. This is a beloved day in the calendar, so we would love for you to join us as we kick-start the season.

Our famous cow pie will be on offer with sides of chips and mushy peas, with a cheeseboard to tuck into afterwards. 

Of course the bar will be open as usual and you will also get to enjoy a player Q&A, and a fun quiz with a special prize on offer! All this from the comfort of your own private room. To watch the game, you can watch it from the privacy of the balcony viewing area.

If you would like to upgrade to this package, buy your tickets NOW by clicking this linkTickets for the lunch are only £26.50, but you must have a match day ticket in order to purchase this experience. 

We look forward to welcoming you all in a couple weeks time to cheer on the boys!

Alan Everson

Everyone at Doncaster Knights is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Alan Everson. 

Alan was a 1st XV regular for Doncaster during the late 1960s. He moved away from Doncaster and continued his playing career at Harrogate RUFC. 

Over the past few seasons he has been a regular visitor to the past players lunches at Castle Park.

The club sends their deepest condolences to all his family and friends at this sad time, he will be massively missed here at Doncaster Knights.

Alan Everson

Join Doncaster’s Big Neighbourhoods Conversation

In partnership with Visit Doncaster.

Doncaster residents are being asked to share what they think about where they live in a consultation called the Big Neighbourhoods Conversation.

The results of the consultation, which is provided by Your Life Doncaster, will feed into a halfway point refresh of Team Doncaster’s 10 year borough strategy – Doncaster Delivering Together (Team Doncaster) and decisions about future investment in and around Doncaster’s neighbourhoods. 

It also follows hot on the heels of the recent Big City Conversation which attracted thousands of responses with improvements underway based on what people asked for.

City of Doncaster Council’s Chief Executive, Damian Allen said: “Our great city of Doncaster is made up of so many fantastic towns and villages with thriving communities who are proud of where they live and care deeply about the future of their neighbourhoods.  

“Our residents have a deep insight into what matters most to their communities. The Big Neighbourhoods Conversation is a perfect opportunity for everyone to put forward ideas, thoughts and aspirations and help shape Doncaster’s future. This is about seeing positive changes on a local level, delivered in partnership with our residents and businesses. I encourage everyone in Doncaster to get involved and be part of the conversation.”  

Doncaster’s Big Neighbourhoods Conversation will run until 14 September. To join the conversation click here.