Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that loosehead Prop, Andrew Turner has signed a Doncaster Knights contract for next season, after spending a season long loan with us. 

Drew, who was on loan from Bristol Bears this year, has been a big presence among the squad and we are so pleased he has decided to commit to us fully.

He joined the Bristol Bears academy aged just 15 before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2020.

Turner’s love for rugby started from a young age when he started playing at Weston-super-Mare RFC at the age of 13, standing out from the crowd as a determined and powerful player from the offset.

Andrew featured in the 2022 U20s Six Nations with England where he made 3 appearances for his country. Putting in some impressive displays, he was called to the other side of the world to join New Zealand club, Crusaders on loan in the 2022/23 season after they experienced an injury crisis.

Turner has worked with some of the greatest in his game, so his exeprience at such a young age will be cruical in his development and contribution to the Knights. 

Forwards Coach Darren Fearn said:

“It’s brilliant that Drew will be a Doncaster player next season, he’s currently on loan from Bristol but is a big part of our group. Drew fits how we want to play on field, and is a popular member of the squad off it. He’s a young prop with good experience already under his belt, I am excited to see him keep progressing with us next season.”

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said: 

“We are thrilled that Drew has decided to sign at the club for next year. He’s been brilliant this last year during his loan spell from Bristol, when the opportunity came to sign Drew permanently as a Doncaster Knights player, there was no doubt in our mind. He is another that quietly goes about his business unflustered, there’s so much more to come from him and we’re excited to see that growth in his game at Castle Park next year.”

End of Season Awards Dinner – Celebrating the 2024/25 Campaign

Doncaster Knights brought the curtain down on another thrilling season with a special End of Season Awards Dinner at Castle Park. An friendly gathering of around 50 supporters joined players and staff to reflect on the highs and lows of the year and celebrate the individuals who made it memorable.

Guests enjoyed a delicious curry buffet before settling in for speeches from Director of Rugby, Sir Ian McGeechan, Club Captain Ben Murphy, and Club President Steve Lloyd. Each shared their reflections on the season, acknowledged the hard work of the squad and backroom staff, and thanked fans for their continued support.

The highlight of the evening was the awards presentation, recognising standout contributions both on and off the pitch:

• Players’ Player of the Season – Telusa Veainu
  Chosen by his teammates, Telusa’s skill, leadership and consistency throughout the season made him a deserving winner.

• Coaches’ Player of the Season – Zach Kerr
  A consistent performer and true professional, Zach earned the praise of the coaching staff with his hard work and impressive performances.

• Supporters’ Player of the Season – Rhys Tait
  Voted for by our loyal fans, Rhys’ commitment and impact on the field clearly resonated with the Knights faithful. Tait performs at a brilliant high standard each week and was recognised as one of the hardest workers in the squad. 

• Knight of the Season – Harry Davey
  More than just on-field performance, this award recognises a player’s contribution to the club culture and community. Harry’s character, positivity, and willingness to go the extra mile made him a standout presence throughout the year. This season Harry has been increadibly dedicated to coaching the Knights Academy, he was also always in charge of ensuring the team’s coffee was topped up, showing his face at every sponsor/fan/hospitality event and even assisting the media team at times. Most importantly, he was always a friendly face, boosting team morale and supporting his team mates. 

• Top Try Scorer – Jordan Olowofela
  With pace and flair, Jordan crossed the whitewash more than any other Knight this season.

• Top Points Scorer – Alex Dolly
  Alex’s reliable boot and game management made him the club’s leading points scorer this season.

• Try of the season – Arthur Green
  In a very very close vote, Arthur Green was awarded the Try of the season for his score against Hartpury at home. A team try, which he finsihed in style. Remind yourself of Arthur’s try and the other nominations here

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To conclude the night, our leavers were presented with signed shirts and pictures to thank them for thier time at the club. Steve and Tony were presented with framed 150th anniversary shirts to thank them for all their time and dedication to the club. 

It was a night full of celebration, a fitting end to a hard fought campaign, praising the team’s journey from the bottom half of the table, to third. Thank you to all the fans who attened and to everyone who supported us this season. We can’t wait to see you all back at Castle Park for the next chapter. 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that we have signed centre/back three, Matt McNab from Cornish Pirates.

McNab started his rugby career aged six for an academy in Zimbabwe called Sharks Kids, which was run by Brendon Dawson who has held the head coach role in Zimbabwe. Matt was educated at Whitestone Primary School and then Falcon College before attending Hartpury University where he did his Undergraduate Degree in Sports Business Management, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management.

Matt has represented Zimbabwe in two World Cup qualifiers, one in 2019 and another in 2022, he has also in the past represented Zimbabwe Goshawks in the Currie Cup competition.

He began his Championship career with Hartpury RFC before moving to Cornish Pirates, where he really made a name for himself. During his first season in Penzance, he made 26 appearances, scored 13 tries, one of which won their ‘Try of the Season’ award. He also won Pirates’ ‘Sportsman of the Year’ and ‘Supporters’ Player of the Season’ trophies. At the end of the 23/24 campaign he was selected in the Championship clubs’ Team of the Season.

This season, he has continued to impress, currently sat at fourth top try scorer in the league, having socred 14 tries. 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to have McNab join the club. Aged 26, weighing 99kg and standing at 6ft2.

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said: 

“Matt is someone we’ve been working hard to bring to the club for the last 2 years and we are delighted we’ve finally been able to get his signature. Matt is a powerful ball carrier and shown this year what a quality finisher he is. Matt adds depth to our exciting back line covering both Centre and Wing. We’re really looking forward to see what Matt can achieve in a Knights shirt as we know we are bringing a quality player to Castle Park for next season.”

Doncaster Knights can now confirm the 7 players who will depart the club at the end of the season:

Maliq Holden (82 appearances)

Long serving Knight Maliq Holden will leave the club after spending four seasons with the Knights, scoring 41 tries and making 82 appearances. Holden has been a huge part of the club over the years and will be really missed by everyone. The club would like to thank Mal for all his hard work and success over the years, we wish him all the best in his next adventure.

Archie Smeaton (47 appearances)

Another long serving player set to leave is back row, Archie Smeaton. Smeats has made the choice to move to London and pursue his career in consulting, alongside playing National League rugby. Archie has been an integral member in the squad for many seasons now. Good luck in your next adventure Archie, and thank you for your service to the club. 

Harry Davey (42 appearances)

Winger, Harry Davey is also set to leave the club. Over his time here, Harry has made 42 appearances. He has also contributed massively to the development of our Knights Academy, serving as an assistant coach. Last night, Harry was awarded Knight of the season, highlighting how key his presence has been to this team. The club extends a huge thank you to Harry for everything he has done for the club, and would like to wish him good luck in his next steps.  

Morgan Strong (28 appearances)

Doncaster Knights would like to pass on a massive thank you to Morgan for an incredible shift in the blue and red stripes, it’s been fantastic watching him tear up in Yorkshire. Strong has played every single game this season, and racked up an impressive eight tries for the club, with one game still to play. Morgan remains in the Championship next season, but will represent Coventry Rugby. 

Will Metcalfe (6 appearances)

Scrum Half, Will Metcalfe will also depart the club at the end of the season. Metcalfe has made 6 senior appearances for the Knights, but has been an integral part of the club, coming through the Academy setup, playing for them for three years. Doncaster Knights extend their thanks to Metcalfe for all his contributions to the club, and wish him good luck for the future.

Cory Teague (6 appearances)

Second Row, Cory Teague will also depart the club at the end of the season, Cory made 6 appearances for the Knights and has been a fantastic presence in the squad this season, despite struggling with a difficult shoulder injury. The club would like to thank Cory for his service this season, and wishes him all the best for his next steps.

Taniela Ramasibana (9 appearances)

Taniela Ramasibana will also depart the club at the end of the season, he made 9 appearances for the Knights and has been a fantastic team player in the squad this season. The club would like to thank Taniela for his service this season, and wishes him all the best for his next steps. 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the signing of Ex-Knight Ehize Ehizode. The second row returns to the club after spending a season with league winners, Ealing Trailfinders.

Ehize’s career originally began as a back-rower before moving to the second row, standing at 6ft 5. He developed through the Wasps Academy where he represented them at U18 and A-league level. He also spent time in the Bristol Bears Academy before building his experience with Dings Crusaders and Hartpury.

Ehize signed for his first stint with the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Championship opposition, London Scottish, for whom he had featured frequently throughout the 2021/22 campaign. Prio to london Scottish, Ehizode was olaying his rugby with then National One side (now fellow Champ club), Chinnor.

He became a real fan favourite during his previous tenure with the club, making 28 appearances and winning of the Supporters’ Player of the Year. We are delighted to have him back again this season. 

Forwards Coach Darren Fearn said:

“I’ve only heard good things about Ehize, everyone speaks so highly of him. I’ve watched a lot of his games and glad he will be rejoining us. Ehize will have gained valuable experience this season winning the Championship down in Ealing. I am sure everyone involved with the club will be delighted to see him pull on a Doncaster shirt again!”

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“Ehize is a player who is well known at the club and a fan favourite. We are delighted he’s decided to come back to the North, he’s coming back to a club he knows well and played some of his best rugby with. I know in this new environment, and where the forward pack has moved on to, he will thrive and continue to develop. It’s a real credit to the coaching staff that a former player is wanting to come back and can see how the club has continued to move forward in the last year.”

The club would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who played a part in our ‘1875 Rules’ game, which was part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. 

38 players took to the field and played 30 minutes of very quick rugby in line with the laws of 1875. It was a brilliant and entertaining showcase of how the game has developed, providing us with plenty of laughs & cheers.

The team was made up of Doncasterphoenix & friends, thank you for playing a part in our history and making this possible.

And an extra special thank you goes to Paul Curzon who put so much time and effort into gathering the teams and organising this game.

Thank you all:

Players, Paul Curzon, Dave Thomas,Howard Bishop, Billy Mallinder, Scott Wilson,Ed Miles, Stew Cullen, George Grafton,Fraser Leiper,Alan Doyle,Michael Casey,Steve McColl,Tim Elliot, Tom Elliot,Andrew Bailey,Lucien Letorey,Nial Crowcroft,Scott Plevey,Simon Hallisey,Thom Goodchild,Josh Yemm, Charlie Rowett,Dalr Young,Quinn Leggot,Jamal Khalil,Sam Langley, Dan Riley,Andy Green,Sam Meadows,James Oakley,Bev Wilkinson,Cameron Shires,Joe McCready,Dave Cooke, Seth Adams,Lee Fell,Mark Jasnikowski,Adam Burton,Andy Beardshall,Chris Donk, Luca Curtis. Howard Potts, Ollie Yates. The officials, Howard Thompson, Daniel Woods, Gary Scholes.

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the signing of Back Row, Josh Bainbridge from Newcastle Falcons.

Yorkshire born Bainbridge was raised in the North East and played his junior rugby with Middlesbrough and Guisborough, before representing Yorkshire Carnegie. During his time with the Carnegie he earned England honours at Under-17s, 18s, 19s and 20s levels.

His professional career has seen him starring for Leeds, Jersey and Coventry, the last of which, he made 45 appearances for before stepping up to the top flight. Joining Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2023.

Josh’s first season with the Falcons in 2023-24 saw him making eight competitive appearances. 

Doncaster Knights are very excited to see the 29-year-old powerful back rower put on the blue and red stripes next season. 

Forwards Coach Darren Fearn said:

“It’s brilliant Bambi will be coming home to Yorkshire. He is going to add a lot to our group, his skill set fits the way we play and he’s game to go toe to toe with anyone. We had an honest chat over coffee, his eyes lit up when we discussed the vision and why we wanted him to join Doncaster.” 

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“Bambi is someone I’ve watched for a number of years in the Champ and most recently in the Premiership. I’ve always wanted clubs I’ve been at in the past to sign him. So for him to sign with Doncaster is unbelievable news. Bambi is exactly what you want from your back row. Hard hitting and hard working, he sums up what you get from a Yorkshire man. He will also add leadership to what is already becoming a very dominant forward crew.”

Doncaster Knights displayed a very impressive final home game of the season during Doncaster’s 150th anniversary celebrations, excelling to a 35-15 win over Cornish Pirates.

Both teams put up an incredible fight as the first 25 minuites were scoreless. Eventually, Cornish Pirates opted to take the three points and go 0-3 up. 

But, moments later Telusa Veainu answered back with an impressive solo try, dancing around a handful of Pirates to run it in from over half way. 5-3. 

The Knights extended the lead again as Adam Hopkinson threw a long ball out to Russell Bennett who then carried into contact while offloading to Rokoduguni. Roko beat the final defender to go the rest of the way. 10-3. 

Archie Smeaton then added one more try before half time. Zach Kerr ran a hard line before disributing the ball out wide for Smeaton to power over in the corner. Alex Dolly added the extras, leaving the half time score 17-3. 

Logovi’i Mulipola began the second half on a positive note as he secured the bonus point. The Knights powered the driving maul over the line and Logo grounded it. 22-3. 

The Knights then spent a big period of time defending on the try line. It was a superb display of determination as the Knights stopped Pirates’ driving maul and re-gained possesion with a fantastic counter ruck. 

Donny then made their way down the other end of the pitch and Rhys Tait delayed his pass to Jordan Olowofela, opening up the space for Olowofela to run the try in. 27-3. 

Cornish Pirates then finally got themselves a try as winger, Matt McNab stretched the ball over in the corner, 27-8. 

The forwards played their part with a brilliant scrum penalty, allowing Bennett to kick for three, 30-8. 

Olowofela claimed his second score of the day thanks to a perfect kick from Ollie Fox. The Knights were on the counter attack and Fox spotted nobody in the back field, he put boot to ball and Olowofela showed his impressive pace to dot it over the line. 35-8. 

Cornish Pirates then snatched a convereted try with the clock in the red, leaving the full time score 35-15. 

Telusa Veainu was awarded player of the match. 

Next weekend, Doncaster look to protect their third place spot as they travel to Ampthill for the final game of the season. 

Club President, Steve Lloyd and Club Chairman, Tony De Mulder were awarded Tankards at the Rugby Union Writer’s Club annual lunch. The award was presented to the pair to honour their ‘extraordinary contributions to the game’. 

Both Steve and Tony have been invovled as players and benefactors at Doncaster Rugby Club for 50+ years. Supporting the club through thick and thin and dedicating hours of their time to help drive the standards of the club, both on and off the pitch. 

They have contributed massively to building our legacy as the only professional rugby union club in Yorkshire and continue to fly the flag for growing the sport in this part of the country.

Everyone at Doncaster Knights would like to extend a huge congratulations to our Chair and President on a very well deserved award. 

And a big thank you to our local journalist and rugby writer, Guy Williams for nominating and inviting the duo.

Picture info: 

Steve and Tony pictured with the other tankard winners:

Matt Riley with his record 457 games played for Sedgley Tigers Rugby Club, he retires holding the record for most appearances for a single club in either England or France in the pro era

Deborah Griffin the founder of the Rugby Football Union for Women in 1983, chair of the first women’s Rugby Wrold Cup in 1991, and the first female RFU President in 2025.

Cai Griffiths who has guided London Welsh to an 83% win rate over seven seasons gaining five promotions taking the great club back to the National leagues.

Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to face Cornish Pirates in the last home game of the season. 

Logovi’i Mulipola takes the starting shirt this week, and is joined in the Front Row by Joe Jones, who is set to return from a hand injury. George Roberts will be between them at hooker. 

Our replacement front row consists of Andrew Turner and Lewis Thiede. With Fred Davies the replacement hooker. 

In the second row, Captain Ben Murphy pairs with Adam Hopkinson. Our back row will consist of Archie Smeaton, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong. 

The remaing forwards on the bench are Jasper McGuire and Ben Chapman. 

Unchanged half backs yet again as Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett partner up at 9 and 10. The remainder of the back line is Jordan Olowofela, Zach Kerr, Obi Ene, Semesa Rokoduguni and Telusa Veainu. 

Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting are set to replace the half backs, will Will Parry the remaining back on the bench. 

The Knights will look to make it eleven wins on the bounce in front of a big home crowd as the Knights celebrate 150years. 

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Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Semesa Rokduguni. 13, Obi Ene 12, Zach Kerr. 11, Jordan Olowofela. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Logovi’i Mulipola. 2, George Roberts. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Adam Hopkinson. 6, Archie Smeaton. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.

Replacements | 16, Fred Davies. 17, Andrew Turner. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Jasper McGuire. 20, Ben Chapman. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Morgan Bunting. 23, Will Parry.

Unavailable For Selection | Thom Smith, Harry Davey, Maliq Holden, Connor Edwards, Aidan Cross.