Doncaster Knights season ticket holders and club sponsors are invited to apply for the chance to receive tickets to this year’s nations championship.
The Club receives a set ticket entitlement for all games and when demand outstrips supply, tickets will be allocated via a ballot system.
T&C’s
– If successful, you will be issued a maximum of 4 tickets per application
– Ticket prices will vary per game
– A non-refundable booking fee of £10 per ticket will be applied
NOTE
The Club has access to a set ticket entitlement for all games and when demand outstrips supply, tickets will be allocated via a ballot system. Please read the information carefully and select ONLY the games you wish to attend as payment is required promptly. You will be contacted VIA email if you are successful.
Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to kick of the second half of the CHAMP season. With a handful of injuries returning to action this weekend, here’s how the Knights line up to face Cambridge on the road…
Tight head prop Joe Jones returns to start in the front row alongside loose head Conor Davidson and Hooker Fred Davies. Adam Hopkinson and Morgan Jones make up the second row behind them, with a strong back row supporting from behind. Jasper McGuire Starts at eight with Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait on each flank.
Our replacement front row is made up of Newcastle Red Bull loan, Micky Rewcastle. Rewastle’s tighthead partner will be Logovi’i Mulipola, with Ben Chapman the replacement hooker. Ehize Ehizode and East Timor Viliamu are also named on the bench.
Alex Dolly starts at scrum half again with Russell Bennett returning from injury to start at fly half. Connor Edwards also returns to the starting line up to partner with Joe Margetts in the centres. Zach Kerr moves out to the wing, with Ryan Olowofela on the other. Telusa Veainu keeps the 15 shirt.
Our replacement half backs are Cameron Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting, with Aidan Cross the final back amongst the replacements.
The game kicks off at 2pm and can be watched LIVE on www.clubbertv.co.uk – we will be showing the stream at Castle Park so head to the ground to enjoy the game with fellow Knights fans! Bar will be open from 1:30pm.
SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson2. Fred Davies, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Morgan Jones, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. Rhys Tait (6) 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. Micky Rewcastle, 18. Logovi’i Mulipola, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. East Timor Viliamu, 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, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont
Doncaster Knights Rugby Club can confirm that, following a detailed strategic review, the club will adopt a new hybrid operating model ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The decision, taken by Club President Steve Lloyd in consultation with the Board and senior rugby leadership, reflects the evolving financial landscape of professional rugby and the club’s long-term commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and player welfare.
Under the new model, Doncaster Knights will continue to compete fully and ambitiously in the RFU CHAMP, but with an adjusted approach to how the rugby programme is delivered.
The rugby budget will operate at a reduced level under the new hybrid model. Players will be supported in pursuing opportunities to supplement or match their current earnings by developing careers and professional pathways alongside their rugby commitments, while continuing to train and compete in a professional environment. This reflects the reality of modern professional rugby, where even at “full-time” clubs many players already balance rugby with a second income or career path.
Player training days and times will be slightly reduced and adjusted, though not significantly. The rugby programme will remain high-quality and performance-led, while offering greater flexibility within the weekly schedule.
The adjusted training structure also places Doncaster Knights in a stronger position to work with Premiership/Elite clubs with whom we already have positive relationships. This will allow the squad to be strengthened through carefully selected loan players, increasing overall squad depth and competition while maintaining a strong Doncaster Knights core and identity.
The Club will also continue to watch with interest developments currently under discussion regarding the expansion and repositioning of Prem Rugby. A Yorkshire Prem team is central to the desires of the RFU, PRL and the whole of Yorkshire rugby. Doncaster’s ambitions continue unabated to create an investable and sustainable team to play at the highest level of English professional rugby.
This change represents a proactive step to ensure Doncaster Knights remain a stable, ambitious, and competitive club in a changing professional rugby landscape. The club remains fully committed to on-field performance, developing talent, and maintaining strong connections with supporters, partners, and the local community.
Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that Prop, Micky Rewcastle has joined up with the squad ahead of Saturday’s fixture in Cambridge.
Rewcastle joins on loan this week to provide cover in the front row. Capped by England Under-18s during the 2021-22 season, he played his junior rugby with Gosforth Academy, Blaydon RFC and Durham county.
Micky spent the 2023-24 season on dual registration with Tyndedale RFC but made a major breakthrough for Newcastle in 2024-25, playing 20 first-team games.
We look forward to seeing Micky in action for the Knights!
Doncaster Knights are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter and former kit man Ian Swindell.
Ian served as the club kit man for many years. He, his wife Betsy and daughter Helen have all been long time supporters of the club. Ian is also a holder of the chain gang tie award, a reminder of his efforts and contribution to the club over the years.
Our thoughts are with Betsy, Helen and family at this sad time. He will be deeply missed by the Doncaster Knights community.
Castle Park is set to host an exciting double header on Saturday 17th January as Yorkshire Academy field two teams to take on Bristol Bears Academy.
The U18s side, who compete in the Prem Rugby Next Gen league, will face Bristol Bears u18’s, while Yorkshire u17s will go head to head with Bears U17’s in a development league.
Both games take place at a staggered kick off so fans can enjoy both age groups back to back!
Yorkshire U18’s v Bristol Bears U18’s – 1:30PM Kick Off – Pitch 1
Yorkshire U17’s v Bristol Bears U17’s – 3:30PM Kick Off – Pitch 4 (Artificial Pitch)
It is free entry on the day and there will be a bar open on site!
The perfect way to get your fill of Yorkshire based Rugby union while Doncaster Knights and the Championship are on a mid-season break!
Doncaster Knights fall short against Caldy as a penalty try with the clock in the red gifts the visitors a 27-28 win.
The Knights started bright as they got themselves over the line in the first minute, Josh Bainbridge broke through the line into space, before moving the ball to Rhys Tait. Tait was tackled just short of the line, but the Knights moved the ball quickly and a few phases later, Adam Hopkinson drove over the line. Morgan Bunting added the extras. 7-0.
Caldy demonstrated early on that it wouldn’t be easy for the Knights, as they snatched a try back almost instantly. Obi Ene made a big break to bring them into the 22, before they shifted the ball to the opposition winger, finding a way over in the corner. The added conversion levelled the scores 7-7.
Zach Kerr put in a brilliant kick over the top of Caldy’s defence, which Jordan Olowofela chased down brilliantly before finishing in the corner. 12-7
Another home try followed as the ball is moved quickly up the wing by Rhys Tait and J Olowofela to bring Donny into the 22. The Knights continued to attack and a huge carry from Joe Margetts finished the job, the centre shrugged off multiple defenders to drive the ball over the line. Bunting’s conversion was successful, 19-7.
The visitors then kept the scores close, as they claimed the final try of the first half through a dominant rolling maul, half time score 19-12.
Caldy carried their momentum into the second half as they opened the scores. A little chip through is chased and grounded by Charlie Hyde, with the conversion putting them ahead 19-21.
Caldy weren’t given the lead for long as a solid penalty kick from Bunting edged Doncaster back ahead. And the fly half continued to work his magic for the Knight’s next try, placing a perfect cross field kick into the arms of Ryan Olowofela, 27-21.
The Knights worked hard to hold Caldy out with a huge defensive set, winning the ball in the driving maul and stopping Caldy from 5m out. Unfortunately for the home team it wasn’t quite enough as Caldy found themselves back on the line with the clock in the red, and a penalty try meant they were awarded the full seven points to claim a 27-28 win.
The Knights now have a two week break before facing Cambridge away on January 24. They return to Castle Park on January 31st to face Cornish Pirates, secure your tickets here.
Lewis Thiede will reach a major milestone this weekend as he makes his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights.
The tight head prop reflects on the occasion: “I think it’s a mix of emotions, really. Starting out my rugby journey here in the mini juniors is something you only aspire to just to make it, to get on the pitch just once.”
Having come through the club’s junior and academy system, Thiede admits the journey to 100 appearances has not been straightforward, with a long spell away from Castle Park before returning later in his career “Having quite a big break in between has made it strange, because I started my career here, then went on and played for different clubs, and now I’ve come back towards the end of my career. It’s quite strange because I’ve now got a family.”
Thiede’s family will be watching on this weekend, making the occasion even more special. “I’ve got two kids who come and watch, and it’s going to be special for me and my family, my mum and dad as well, obviously, for everything they’ve done throughout the years. It’s nice for them to come and see that it was all worth something.”
Reaching 100 games for the Knights has always been a target for Thiede, even though his career path took him away from Doncaster earlier on. “It’s a milestone that I’ve always wanted to hit. When I was growing up, I didn’t want to be a person that went from club to club, but when I was here originally I got an opportunity to go to Wasps and move to the Premiership.”
After stints at Wasps, Bristol Bears and Ealing, he returned to his boyhood club. “I’m so happy to be back here. Playing not just 100 games, but 100 games for my home club. It’s massive.”
Looking back, Thiede still remembers his first appearance in a Doncaster shirt. “The first game I played was a pre-season friendly against Glasgow Warriors. I came off the bench and I scrummaged really well, but if you asked me what I did that was good, I couldn’t tell you. I didn’t really know what I was doing.”
“I had brilliant mentors. Massimo was our scrum coach then and he was brilliant for me. There would’ve been a process behind it, but that’s the only thing I really remember.”
He reflected on his highlights from his time at the club: “The games against Ealing last season, those wins were nice because they were top of the pyramid, and it was good to show what we’re about as a team.”
“From when I was first here to now, it’s the same. It’s just a good group of lads, a good group of blokes, and it’s a privilege to be able to put on the shirt.”
As a Doncaster local, representing the club in front of a home crowd holds special significance. “I’m from Doncaster, I don’t go to the shop without seeing somebody who’s a fan, or someone I’ve played rugby with, or something like that. So to be able to play in front of a home crowd is special.”
With friends, parents, partner and children all set to be in attendance, Thiede is looking forward to marking the milestone in familiar surroundings. “My mum and dad will be here, my partner and kids will be here watching. They’re getting really into it, so it’s exciting. It’s a really nice way to do it at home.”
Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to face Caldy at Castle Park tomorrow.
Lewis Thiede starts in the front row for his 100th appearance at Doncaster Knights, he is joined by loose head Conor Davidson and Hooker Fred Davies.
Adam Hopkinson comes into the second row to join Ehize Ehizode. With Rhys Tait slotting back into the starting line up in the back row. Josh Bainbridge keeps his spot as the other Flanker, with Jasper McGuire starting at 8.
Big news in the back line as Alex Dolly returns from a long injury to start at scrum half, pairing up with Morgan Bunting at fly half.
Our centre partnership remains unchanged as Zach Kerr and Joe Margetts line up alongside each other. Both the Olowofela twins start on opposing wings, with Telusa Veainu the full back between them.
Ben Chapman is named as the replacement hooker, alongside replacement props, Logovi’i Mulipola and Ethan Hulme. East Timor Viliamu and Rueben Parsons are the remaining forward replacements.
Sale Sharks loan player, Nye Thomas is named as the replacement scrum half. With Connor Edwards and Matt McNab the impact backs.
SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson2. Fred Davies, 3. Lewis Thiede, 4. Ehize Ehizode, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. Rhys Tait 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Jordan Olowofela, 12. Zach Kerr 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Ethan Hulme, 19. East Timor Viliamu, 20. Rueben Parsons, 21. Nye Thomas, 22. Connor Edwards, 23. Matt McNab.
Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Joe Jones, Russell Bennett, Olllie Fox, Morgan Jones, Ben Murphy, Semesa Rokoduguni, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont
