Doncaster Knights can confirm that Joe Jones has been released from his contract with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in the Premiership with Harlequins.

Jones departs the club having made just under 50 appearances. After first joining on a short-term spell in 2020, he returned for the 2024/25 season and went on to become an influential figure within the squad and an integral part of the club environment.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Joey’s been excellent for us and he’s earned this opportunity. It’s another player progressing to the Premiership from Doncaster knights, that’s a credit to his work and the environment here.

“We’re ambitious as a club and we want players who perform at a level that attracts the top tier. Joey has done that. He’ll be missed, however we’re confident in the strength and depth of our group, and we’re excited about the competition for that No.3 shirt.”

Everyone at the club is delighted for Jones, and wishes him all the best best as he makes the step back up to the top level. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to face Chinnor at Kinsey Road tomorrow night.

Cole Keith comes into the front row to start at tighthead, alongside loosehead Conor Davidson and hooker Ben Chapman.

In the second row, captain Ben Murphy partners Morgan Jones once again, with an unchanged back row behind them: East Timor Vilimau and Rhys Tait on the flanks, and Jasper McGuire at number eight.

The backline is unchanged for the fourth week running, with Dolly and Bennett at half-back and Edwards and Margetts in the centres. Zach Kerr and Ryan Olowofela take up the wings, while Telusa Veainu remains at full-back.

On the bench, we opt for a 6/2 split. Fred Davies is the replacement hooker, alongside props Conor Davidson and Ethan Hulme, with Ehize Ehizode, Josh Bainbridge and Adam Hopkinson the remaining forward options. Scrum-half Ollie Fox returns from injury to take his place among the replacements, along with utility back, Matt McNab.

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola 2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Ethan Hulme, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21.Adam Hopkinson, 22. Ollie Fox, 23. Matt McNab  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Jordan Olowofela, Lewis Thiede, Joe Jones, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights put in an impressive attacking display to score half a century of points against Bedford Blues at Castle Park.

Hooker Ben Chapman kicked off the try-scoring with two in a row, as the Knights’ dominant maul sent him over twice. Bennett converted one of the two to give Donny a 12–0 lead.

After a strong defensive set from the Knights, and a Ryan Olowofela intercept initially holding out the Blues, the visitors were given another opportunity from a tap penalty. They executed it well, sending Tui Uru over to leave the half-time score at 12–5.

Olowofela opened the scoring in the second half just minutes in. Margetts carried hard and popped the ball up to Dolly, who threw a long pass to Veainu. Veainu drew in the final defender before popping it to Olowofela, and the winger powered over in the corner. 17–5.

Rhys Tait then showed unbelievable work rate, timing his tackle on the receiver of a high ball to perfection before jumping back up and winning the ball at the breakdown. Bennett kicked the penalty to the corner, and a few phases after the lineout, Tait powered onto a pop pass to dive over. Bennett added the extras, 24–5.

The backs soon got their hands on the ball again and worked it wide to Kerr, who produced a brilliant kick down the wing. The kick was chased by Kerr and Edwards but gathered by Bedford. That proved no issue for Donny, as Edwards was straight into the breakdown to win the ball. Bennett kicked for the five-metre lineout, and after Chapman broke away from the maul, the ball was shipped across to Edwards, who ran onto it at pace and stretched over. Conversion added, 31–5.

A real blockbuster try followed. Just as Bedford looked to be building momentum and were camped on the line, a wide pass was snatched by Veainu. He took off for the line, showing brilliant pace to go the full length and score. Bennett added the extras from out wide. 38–5.

Rhys Tait then claimed his second as Donny began to throw the ball around with confidence. The backline offloaded at will to bring the Knights into the 22, and Kerr’s long pass found Tait, who bumped off the final defender to finish in the corner. Another conversion from Bennett made it 45–5.

Bedford grabbed a late consolation try before the full-time whistle, as Ben Griffin drove his way over. But the Knights reminded Castle Park who was in charge with one final score. Quick ball in attack allowed Edwards to power through Bedford’s defence and create space. He sent a long pass out to Kerr, who used his pace to finish in the corner.

Full-time score: 50–12.

Next week, Doncaster face Chinnor R.F.C. on Friday night, before returning to Castle Park in a fortnight to take on league leaders Ealing Trailfinders. We need all the support we can get so clear your diaries and grab your tickets now!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face second in the league, Bedford Blues, this weekend.

In the front row, Logovi’i Mulipola comes back into the starting line-up alongside Ben Chapman at hooker. They join tighthead Joe Jones, who has started every game since his return from injury.

Morgan Jones starts in the second row to partner captain Ben Murphy. Two key players are back from injury in the back row, as Rhys Tait returns at 7 and Jasper McGuire at 8. This sees East Timor Viliamu move to 6.

Our backline is unchanged once again, with Russell Bennett reaching 50 caps for the club. He partners Alex Dolly as our half-back duo. In the centres are Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts, with Zach Kerr and Ryan Olowofela on the wings. Telusa Veainu retains the 15 shirt.

On the bench, the front-row replacements are loosehead Conor Davidson, tighthead Cole Keith, and hooker Fred Davies. Ehize Ehizode and Josh Bainbridge make up the remainder of the forwards. The half-back replacements are Cameron Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting, with Aidan Cross as the utility back.

Secure your tickets now to cheer on the Knights!  Scotland v England will be shown in the concourse post game! So join us for an exciting day of back to back rugby. 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola 2. Ben Chapman, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Lewis Thiede, Adam Hopkinson, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights were defeated 25-20 by a strong Worcester Warriors side in a tight contest at Sixways Stadium. 

The Knights put some early points on the board as Bennett kicked a penalty just minutes in, giving Doncaster a 0-3 lead. 

The lead didn’t last long however as Worcester snapped back, working their way up the pitch before a penalty allowed them to kick for a 5m line out. They showed their dominance with a solid driving maul that powered them over. 5-3.

Doncaster then showed brilliant fight when defending on the try line. Worcester’s forwards spent many phases trying to push over the line, but the Knights put in hit after hit and eventually they forced a Worcester knock on. 

Despite the Knights efforts, Worcester soon found themselves back in attack. The hosts displayed some impressive offloading to move the ball up the wing, before shifting it back inside to a supporting Hallam Chapman. Chapman finished the job, They added the conversion 12-3. 

Donny followed this up with yet another big defensive set, the forwards worked hard to win a penalty while defending Worcester’s maul just 5m out. Bennett then kicked the Knights out the 22 to relieve some pressure, but Worcester soon found themselves threatening again. 

The Knights continued to put the hits in, and managed to force another Worcester knock on just short of the line. A few phases later and Connor Edwards put in a huge shot, his tackle left the breakdown exposed and Donny were able to snatch possession.

As a result of the Knights strong defence, Worcester settled for the three points to extent their lead. 15-3. 

Donny then worked well to keep themselves in the game ahead of the break. Ryan Olowofela took a quick line out, passing the ball back inside to Veainu. Veainu showed his skill to dance around Worcester’s defence, before firing a long ball out wide to Margetts. Margetts used his pace to go over in the corner. Bennett slotted the kick from out wide. 

Half time score 15-10. 

Worcester snatched some early points in the second half as a penalty put them 18-10 up. However, Bennett used his boot again to bring Donny back within a try. 18-13. 

The Knights then continued to fight and a penalty allowed them to kick for a 5m line out. The forwards executed the set piece perfectly, throwing a long ball to the back of the line, and following it up with a dominant drive that sent East Timor Viliamu over to level the scores. Bennett slotted the extra two, putting Donny ahead with just 5 minutes remaining. 

Despite the Knights’ strong defensive efforts, Worcester proved to be the better team on the day, as they worked themselves up to the try line again with the clock in the red. Doncaster defended the rolling maul well, but a quick ball out to the back line allowed them to exploit the space and dive over the line. 

The added conversion meant the full time score was 25-20. The Knights take a losing bonus point, and turn their attention to Bedford at home next weekend. 

Secure your tickets now and support the Knights at Castle Park. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to travel to Worcester Warriors tomorrow. Adam Hopkinson is set to reach his 50th Doncaster Knight appearance on the day. 

Our starting front row remains unchanged with Conor Davidson and Joe Jones as the props, and Fred Davies the hooker in the middle. Captain Ben Murphy returns from injury to start in the second row alongside Morgan Jones. 

Our half-centurion Adam Hopkinson shifts to the back row, joined by Josh Bainbridge on the other flank and East Timor Viliamu at eight. 

Ben Chapman is our replacement hooker, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Cole Keith the spare front row. Ehize Ehizode is the second row on the bench, with Corey Tait proving cover in the back row. 

Our backline is completely unchanged from the squad that defeated Cornish Pirates last week. Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett are the half backs, with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts in the centre. Ryan Olowofela and Zach Kerr start on the wing, with Telusa Veainu at full back. 

Scrum half Cameron Kelemeti and fly half Morgan Bunting are named on the bench, with Aidan Cross the final back replacement. 

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Adam Hopkinson 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Corey Tait, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Jasper McGuire, Rhys Tait, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

You can watch the game LIVE at Castle Park where we will be showing the steam, followed by the showing of England V Wales in the Six nations!

On Saturday, Castle Park will be open and showing the live streaming of Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights, followed by England V Wales (Six Nations). 

Fans are welcome to come to the ground and watch both games back to back with fellow Knights fans! 

The bar will be open from 2pm. 

Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights – 2:30pm KO

England v Wales – 4:40pm KO 

 

Doncaster Knights displayed a stellar 7 try performance to defeat Cornish Pirates 44-12 at Castle Park. 

Despite the result, the visitors got themselves on the scoresheet almost instantly as Josh King regained possession at the kick off and finished in the corner, the successful conversion gave Pirates a 0-7 lead. 

The Knights answered back almost instantly as a well held scrum meant the backs could move the ball quickly out wide for Zach Kerr to go over in the corner, 5-7.

All the Knights were working hard to put Donny back on the front foot, with Adam Hopkinson making a brilliant steal in the line out, which was then shipped out wide to Kerr. Kerr put boot to ball and gathered it well to bring the home side up to the 5m line. Just a few phases later and Pirates’ Arthur Relton was shown a yellow for a dangerous tackle, Russell Bennett slotted the three points to give Donny the edge. 8-7. 

Joe Margetts snatched his first of the day when Kerr swept up a loose ball, and popped it across to Margetts. A lovely little step opened the space for the centre to run in the try from about 22m out. Half time score 13-7. 

The Knights really stepped it up a gear in the second half as they kicked it off almost immediately with a second Zach Kerr try. The backline shipped the ball out quickly to the wing where Kerr put the perfect chip through, before chasing it well and grounding it over the line. 18-7. 

Margetts then got himself on the scoresheet again as he won the scraps in the air before stepping into space and taking off for the line, he showed brilliant pace to finish under the posts. Bennett added the extras, 25-7. 

Just 5 minutes later and he completed his hat trick with a try that began on the opposing try line. Pirates were attacking the line, and looked as though they would go on to score, but the forwards worked hard at the breakdown to turn over the ball before popping it up to Bennett. Bennett then saw a space in front of him, that allowed him to carry from the try line to the 22, he spotted Ryan Olowofela and Margetts in support, so kicked towards them. Margetts made it to the ball and kicked it further towards the line, before making an impressive pickup to dive it over. Bennett added the extras, putting the Knights 32-7 up. 

It was the forwards turn to get on the scoresheet next as our captain for the day, Fred Davies finished a superb try under the posts. The centres carried hard before firing out a quick pop pass to Davies, who ran onto the ball at great pace to finish under the posts. Bennett added the extras again, 39-7. 

Davies then scored a second, and the Knights final of the day. The forwards executed a perfect line out, before driving the maul over the line, gifting Davies his second try. 

The Pirates did manage to snatch one final try despite a huge defensive effort from the Knights today. After spending the last 5 minutes of the game attacking in the 22, the visitors eventually found the gap out wide to go over in the corner. Full time score, 44-12. 

The club would like extend a huge thank you to the 1819 fans that showed up to support the Knights, and we hope to see everyone again at our next home game in a fortnight! Secure your tickets for when we face Bedford Blues on February 14th

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their Doncaster Knights to go head to head with Cornish Pirates tomorrow. 

Our starting front row remains unchanged, with Conor Davidson at loosehead, Joe Jones at tighthead and Fred Davies at hooker. Morgan Jones and Adam Hopkinson make up the second row. 

In the back row, East Timor Viliamu and Josh Bainbridge pair ups as flankers, with Jasper McGuire keeping the number eight shirt again. 

The replacement props are our two new signings, Canadian international Cole Keith (tighthead) and Army Rugby player Douglas McGregor-Smith (loosehead). 

Ben Chapman keeps the replacement hooker spot, with Ehize Ehizode and Corey Tait the other forwards amongst the bench. 

Alex Dolly starts at scrum half to reach his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights, working with Russell Bennett at fly half. Cam Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting are named as the replacement half backs. 

Our whole backline remains unchanged, meaning Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts join up in the centres, with Zach Kerr, Ryan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu making up the back three. Aidan Cross is the utility back on the bench. 

Secure your tickets now to support the Knights tomorrow! We need you to bring the noise and be our 16th man!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies (C), 3. Joe Jones, 4. Morgan Jones, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Douglas McGregor-Smith, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Corey Tait, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Ben Murphy, Rhys Tait, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that centre, Junior Nuu Nuu has signed with the club for the remainder of the season. 

Nuu Nuu has developed experience in the game across many countries and leagues, having previously played for Leeds Tykes, Harrogate, Club Municipal Floirac, Tarbes Pyrénées, Stade Olympique Chambérie and most recently Keighley Cougars. 

With experience in both Rugby League and Rugby union, he brings physicality and excitement in the way he plays, and we can’t wait ti see him in action for the Knights!