Doncaster Knights are looking to make it five wins in a row at the weekend. The Yorkshire team will face Bedford Blues at Castle Park on Saturday. 

Centre, George Wacokecoke explained how important it was that the Knights backed up their win against Ealing with a big win at London Scottish: “It was very important. I think, with how the results have gone through the season, it was quite easy for us to get up for the so-called big games.

But in the Championship, you know, we’ve had to learn that every single game is a big game. And, it was very nice to see that, come to fruition against Scottish.” 

He also discussed how the team’s form has boosted their confidence recently, “I think the biggest thing for us is not looking too far ahead, it’s just thinking about the next day and the next game. I think we’ve, had a good patch at the moment and we’re just focusing on our drills and things that we can control. It’s really boding well and hopefully we can continue that on for the rest of the season.” 

Wacokecoke explained what he believes is required to go well against Bedford: 

“I think it’ll just be a quick start more than anything else, It’s at home and they want to play a good brand of rugby. So for us you know, it’s about fronting up physically as well as still playing the brand of rugby that we want to impose on them. And to mainly just keep doing the same thing we did against Scottish.” 

Doncaster Knights lost 35-18 to Bedford earlier in the season, Wacokecoke said, “Last time I think we were just caught off guard more than anything else, we didn’t give the best account of ourselves. We are going into it focusing on the things that we can control so hopefully it’ll be a different result.” 

He also highlighted the importance of having our fans behind us this weekend. “The impact is massive to be honest with you. Even the crowd who came to the away game at Scottish, you know, that was very much appreciated and we really felt that as well.”

Any noise, makes a massive difference to the boys on the pitch, especially when you’re getting tired. It makes a massive difference.” 

Get behind the Knights on Saturday! Get your ticket now!

The Tier 2 Board have confirmed new clubs for 2025-26 season. 

The makeup of next season’s expanded Championship has been confirmed.

After two years of intensive work, the Tier 2 Board with the RFU and Championship clubs, is announcing a new and improved league, starting next season, with a vision to inspire and engage current and future generations of rugby fans, while also bringing commercial sustainability and growth to its clubs.

An open tender to the whole game, approved by RFU Council, has been conducted in recent months to join the league from 2025-26, if the league’s minimum operating standards and growth strategy are met.

As a result, from next season the league will be made up of 14 teams which will include all 12 current Championship clubs, the promoted National League 1 club (subject to meeting the league’s Minimum Operating Standards) and Worcester Warriors.  The club is under new ownership, after the new owner bought the rugby assets from the administrator of the insolvent entity, and brings with it exciting new plans, as well as seeing Championship rugby strengthened in the West Midlands. 

Worcester Warriors has been through a rigorous process for selection into Tier 2.  As part of the conditions to join the league, the club’s new ownership has provided a financial security guarantee, held by the RFU, as well committed to paying off debts left by the previous owners to rugby creditors. In addition, the new owners have already made substantial payments to the administrators and have entered into an agreement with the relevant parties which will result in the remaining contractual funds from the administration being paid to DCMS and HMRC by the end of the year.

Starting in the 2025-26 season, the Tier 2 Board will both launch the league and drive further improvements in the Minimum Operating Standards for the clubs and the league, with a phased approach to its development allowing time to establish club composition. 

Simon Gillham, Tier 2 Board Chair stated: “The vision for this league is really ambitious and so much work and collaboration has taken place over nearly two years to establish a path towards a vibrant and self-sustaining competition. 

“Today marks a significant step forward with Worcester Warriors returning to professional rugby under new ownership in a heartland for our sport with the club’s new owners having provided a financial security guarantee, held by the RFU, as well committing to paying off debts left by the previous owners to rugby creditors.

“Worcester Warriors brings with them a fanbase, history, commercial value and infrastructure that will be important to the league; we’re really pleased see their return to professional rugby as I’m sure are their fans.

“National 1 is a highly competitive league with some ambitious clubs and we look forward to welcoming the promoted club from National 1 as well as continued collaboration with the current Championship clubs into next season. 

“There is a great deal still to achieve and we will be working at pace over the coming months to prepare for the 2025-26 season and beyond.”

Tier 2 Board member and RFU Council Member for the Championship Clubs, Simon Cohen said:“Current Championship clubs have worked diligently over much of the past year to reach the new standards we’ve set for the league and I thank them for all their hard work.  Our league comprises many vibrant clubs, some of whom aspire to reach the Premiership and we need to support them to achieve this by developing a thriving and commercially viable league.  Our plans very much aim to do this, and I look forward to working with existing Championship clubs and our two incoming clubs to realise this goal.”

Christopher Holland, Worcester Warriors owner said: “We are really pleased to be bringing rugby back to Worcester and have made significant progress in stabilising the Sixways business as well as successfully navigating the detailed application process for entry of the club into the second tier of professional rugby in England.

“After careful consideration we chose to make the application to the new league under the name Worcester Warriors to preserve its history and legacy. As a result, we are required to settle rugby creditors and acknowledge and fully own this process and the responsibility that comes with it.

“We now enter a defined period in which to provide financial guarantees, and to identify, validate, and agree all inherited rugby creditors. The completion of this process is the key to success and requires the collective support of all involved. We are committed to resolving this swiftly.”

John Inverdale, Chair of National League Rugby and RFU Council Member for National League Rugby, said: “Driving up standards and supporting clubs to develop in all aspects that will see them thrive is crucial in a competitive commercial landscape. I am hugely supportive of the goals of the Tier 2 board and I’ve no doubt that the promoted National 1 club will add great value to the league next season.” 

Further details on competition format, new branding and commercial strategy will be announced as we move towards the new season.

Doncaster Knights fans support has been massive recently, and has played a big part in the team’s recent success. It would be brilliant to get a full coach down to our next away fixture against Cambridge. 

The game in Cambridge is on Saturday, April 12th. It is important that we have as full a coach as possible as we plan to keep the maximum amount we charge at £30 per supporter. The coach will cost £900 which will require us to have 30 supporters to cover the cost. We would suggest however that, if we could reach 25, we could live with that and could afford to write any net loss off against raffle income and previous surpluses.

We are hoping to confirm our booking with Buckleys by noon on Monday, April 7th so you must text John Lowe on 079 7711 2706 by 9am on that day please. 

The match kicks off at 3pm so the coach will leave Buckley’s garage in Blaxton at 11am and, after our usual pickups in Auckley, Branton, Cantley and Armthorpe, should arrive at Castle Park at around 11.30am. From there it will proceed along Balby Road for a pick-up opposite the Winning Post before heading south. If you are leaving your car at the club please leave it on the limestone car park.

The coach will leave Cambridge for the return journey 45 minutes after the final whistle please.

Please text 079 7711 2706 to reserve your seat.

Albemarle’s Team of Intrepid Trekkers Tackle Yorkshire 3 Peaks for Doncaster Charity

A team from Doncaster-based housebuilder Albemarle Homes is preparing to take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in a bold fundraising effort for local cancer support charity, Firefly.

The challenge, which involves scaling Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough within 12 hours, will see team members cover 24 miles of rugged terrain and over 5,000 feet of ascent—all to raise vital funds for Firefly, which provides free transport to hospital for cancer patients across the Doncaster region.

“We are incredibly proud to support Firefly, a charity that delivers essential services to people at a very vulnerable time in their lives,” said Charlotte Kirk, Head of Sales at Albemarle Homes. “Our team is fully onboard to help make a real difference through this challenge.”

The fundraising campaign is already underway, with the team calling on local supporters, partners, and the wider community to contribute via their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/albemarlehomes.

Albemarle Homes has a strong track record of supporting local causes, and this initiative reinforces the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the communities it helps build

London Scottish opened the scores early on with their only points of the game. Logovi’i Mulipola was shown a yellow for a high tackle and the hosts exploited the overlap. They shipped the ball out wide to go over in the corner. 5-0

The Knights only stole one try back in the first half of the game. It was a quick reaction from George Roberts, who snatched an over-thrown Scottish line out and carried it over the line. Alex Dolly put the Knights in the lead with the conversion. 5-7

Despite there being no more tries in the first half, Doncaster showed glimpses of brilliant defence to keep the hosts out. The forwards pack worked really hard to win multiple penalties while mauling.

Rhys Tait showed fantastic work rate as he made a huge tackle, before hopping back up and turning the ball over at the next breakdown.

On the 40th minute, London Scottish attempted a penalty kick for three points but sent it wide. Half time score 5-7.

Doncaster lit up the second half almost instantly as Dolly put in a brilliant kick to touch, bringing the Knights into the 22.

Soon after, Russell Bennett perfectly timed his pop pass to open the gap for Adam Hopkinson. Allowing him to carry 20m and score under the posts. Dolly added the extras. 5-14. 

Will Parry showed his class in the next phase as he put boot to ball, pushing the Knights right up to the try line. He applied pressure on the kick return and prevented Scottish from exiting well. 

The Knights continued to attack from the line out and eventually Parry got himself on the score sheet. The ball was quickly moved out wide allowing the centre to dot down in the corner. Dolly slotted the kick from out wide. 5-21.

Morgan Strong is next over the whitewash as he picked the ball from the back of a breakdown and carried into space. A little side step opened the gap for him to go the rest of the way. Dolly added the extras again. 5-28. 

Cory Teague made a huge impact as his first touch was a fantastic line out steal. He followed it up with a try, showing great strength to drive over the line. Bennett switched to kicking duties and slotted the extra two. 5-35. 

Ben Chapman turned the ball over at the breakdown in the 79th minute, gifting the Knights one last chance to attack. Our new loan player Obi Ene then scored the final try as Bennett shipped the ball out to him. Ene showed brilliant pace to dot the ball down.

Bennett added one more conversion to finish the game 5-42. 

The Knights now turn their attention to another huge game – we are back at home to face Bedford Blues next week.

A special mention to the fans who have been superb the past two weeks. We need you again at Castle Park on Saturday! Grab your ticket now

All pictures by John Ashton (@ickledot) as usual! 

Doncaster Knights set out for revenge as they travel down to London Scottish this weekend. The chosen team for the test is as follows:

There are no changes to the forwards pack that defeated Ealing Trailfinders. Our props Logovi’i Mulipola and Joe Jones join hooker George Roberts after a Stella scrummaging show last week. Captain Ben Murphy and Josh Williams remain in the second row. With Adam Hopkinson, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong in the back row again. 

There are no changes to the forward replacements either, props Conor Davidson and Lewis Thiede line up with hooker Ben Chapman. Cory Teague and Archie Smeaton are also on the bench. 

Our starting half back pairing is the same, Alex Dolly and 9 and Morgan Bunting at 10. With the same duo on the bench, Ollie Fox and Russell Bennett. George Wacokecoke comes into the centres to partner Zach Kerr. 

Telusa Veainu keeps his spot at full back, with Maliq Holden on one wing. However, our newly announced loan signing Obi Ene slots into the other wing. Ene has joined us from Sale Sharks. 

Loan player Will Parry, who has returned from his Premiership Cup stint in Bath, comes onto the bench. 

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Obi Ene. 13, George Wacokecoke 12, Zach Kerr. 11, Maliq Holden. 10, Morgan Bunting. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Logovi’I Mulipola. 2, George Roberts. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Josh Williams. 6, Adam Hopkinson. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.

Replacements | 16, Ben Chapman. 17, Conor Davidson. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Cory Teague. 20, Archie Smeaton. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Russell Bennett . 23, Will Parry.

Unavailable For Selection | Thom Smith, Arthur Green, Harry Davey, Jordan Olowofela

Deadline to book: Tuesday 1^st April, 12pm

You are invited to join us for our 2nd TOSSERS Lunch of the season as we gear up to support the Doncaster Knights against Bedford Blues at Castle Park on Saturday, 5th April.

📅 Date: Saturday, 5th April, 2:30pm KO
📍 Location: Castle Park
🏉 Match: Doncaster Knights vs. Bedford Blues 

What’s included?

Our delicious Cow Pie, Chips & Mushy Peas

Cheeseboard to Follow

Player Q&A

Private Room & Bar (Woodside), Access from 12pm

Team Sheets

In case you didn’t know the TOSSERS, stands for The Other Sides Society Enthusiastic Rugby Supporters

Price: £22.50 (Match Ticket Not Included)

How to book: This can be booked via the club website https://www.drfc.co.uk/match-day-hospitality/ or calling the club on 01302 831388

PLEASE NOTE: You must have a match ticket for access. These are sold separately and can be purchased on the club website or at the ticket window on the day.

Looking forward to another great day with you all!

Doncaster Rugby Football Club acknowledges the outcome of the recent RFU vote, in which the main resolution was defeated by 206 votes in favour and 466 against.

While early indications suggested a significant level of support, it became clear throughout the RFU’s Bill Beaumont Roadshow and at the final meeting that a substantial number of Community Clubs (Level 3 and below) were persuaded to vote against the proposal. This shift appears largely due to the RFU’s commitment to conduct a full review of concerns raised during the consultation process and, notably, the proposed reinstatement of Regional Development Officers (RDOs)—a key issue voiced by many community representatives.

It is encouraging to note the recurring sentiment from both in-person discussions and online submissions that the RFU’s promises must now be subject to close scrutiny, with measurable outcomes expected by the time of the RFU’s AGM in July.

Regrettably, for Tier 2 and Championship clubs, there was no alteration in the RFU’s position on funding. The majority of clubs at this level, including Doncaster, voted in favour of the resolution in the hope of progress, yet the collective weight of Community Club votes ultimately determined the result.

Throughout the consultation process, Doncaster Rugby Football Club has consistently reiterated one key message:

“In February 2020, Championship clubs suffered a significant funding cut of approximately 50%, followed shortly thereafter by a further reduction of around £150,000 due to the impact of Covid-19. At the time, we were informed that this second reduction was being applied across the RFU personnel and would be reinstated post-pandemic.

It has since become evident that while RFU staff and other sectors have seen their funding restored, the Championship has not. This is a matter of principle, and we find it unacceptable.

We understand the RFU’s belief that the newly formed Tier 2/Championship Board will enhance the commercial viability of the league—a position we support. However, it is our firm view that any commercial growth should be used to address the original funding reduction. The reinstatement of Covid-related cuts is a separate issue that must be resolved on moral and equitable grounds”.

As such, while this matter was not resolved through the recent process, Doncaster Rugby Football Club will continue to pursue this issue directly with the RFU and its leadership.

—
Doncaster Rugby Football Club

Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that Winter, Obi Ene has joined us on loan from Premiership team, Sale Sharks. 

The  Knights are back at home on Saturday the 5th April to face Bedford Blues! Secure your ticket to see Obi and the team in action! 

Doncaster Knights produced a huge result at home as they defeated Ealing Trailfinders for the second time this season. 

For the first 20 minutes of the game, Doncaster were forced to defend as Ealing had the majority of the possession. The forwards were so crucial in keeping Ealing out as multiple scrum penalties allowed us to relieve pressure at key moments.

The pack also defended Ealing’s driving maul a handful of times, meaning the visitors settled for three points. 0-3.

It was half an hour into the game before Doncaster finally made their way into the 22 for the first time. Moments later, Morgan Bunting put in a perfectly placed cross field kick to Maliq Holden. Holden caught the ball and finished beautifully in the corner. Alex Dolly delivered a superb kick from out wide to add the extra two. 7-3

The visitors were straight back into attack and Doncaster continued to thrive in defence. Ealing eventually stole one back just before the half time whistle, as they moved the ball out to the wing and went over in the corner. They missed the conversion meaning it was a one point game at the break, 7-8. 

Morgan Bunting placed a great kick to touch that brought Donny up to the 5m line, before Logovi’i Mulipola showed brilliant strength to drive his way over. Dolly added the conversion again. 12-8.

Trailfinders managed to answer back almost instantly as a penalty gifted them entry into the 22, they then found the space to go over out wide again. 14-13. 

The next ten minutes was another massive defensive shift, with Josh Williams making a brilliant turnover at the line out, and Archie Smeaton stealing the ball at the breakdown. Alex Dolly then extended the lead with a penalty kick. 17-13.

In the 75th minute, Ealing snatched one final try as they gathered a dropped ball and shipped it out quickly. Tom Collins dotted it down in the corner but the conversion was missed, 17-18. 

Doncaster grafted to regain passion and Alex Dolly slotted one more kick, securing a 20-18 win. The scrum half was then named man of the match over the tannoy before intercepting Ealing’s pass and allowing Donny to take the ball into touch. Full time, 20-18. 

Post match, Joe Ford praised the forwards for a huge effort. Hear what he had to say: