Doncaster Knights travelled to Nottingham for round one of the new CHAMP league. In a gritty battle, Nottingham came out on top, defeating the Knights 26-8. 

The hosts scored their first try within the first minute as full back, Evan Mitchell ran a good support line when they broke through Knights defence. Conversion was successful 7-0.

As both teams battled not only each other, but the conditions too. There wasn’t another score until the final play of the first half. 

There were lots of positives in the Knights’ defence during the first 40, some scrum penalties won, and a great line out steal from Rhys Tait. The Knights came close many times but couldn’t manage to get over the line. 

Soon, Nottingham worked their way up to the line, and after spending nearly 5 minutes on the line, they eventually drove it over, with the clock in the red. 

Half time score 12-0. 

The weather only worsened into the second half, with 50mph winds and heavy rain causing multiple errors from both teams. 

Zach Kerr kicked a brilliant 50:2, which built some nice momentum for the Knights, and allowed them to attack in the 22. 

Donny attacked for another 5 minutes before Russell Bennett kicked an impressive penalty to get some points on the board. From between the halfway line and the 22, Bennett showed great composure to battle the conditions and claim the 3 points. 12-3. 

Nottingham fought back and grabbed another score as a penalty allowed them to kick for the corner. The Knights do well to hold out the driving maul, but as the ball is shipped out, they find the way through. Another conversion put them 19-3 ahead. 

Another Nottingham try followed in similar fashion, with Micheal Green powering over the line. And they added another conversion for their final points of the game 26-3. 

With fresh legs on the pitch, Donny start to build some good phases in attack. Ollie Fox picks from the back of the breakdown and darts into space. Will Wootton, our scrum half replacement who was playing on the wing, ran a brilliant support line and showed great pace to finish the try. 

Full time score 26-8.

Doncaster will now turn their attention to our next game, Cambridge at home. Get behind the Knights as they look to bounce back! Tickets available here.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their first CHAMP line up of the season. The team will make the short journey to Nottingham for a Friday night Champ opener. 

Thom Smith starts at number eight for what is set to be his 50th club appearance. Everyone at the club extends a huge congratulations to the back row, a key presence amongst our squad.

 

In the front row, Logovi’i Mulipola takes the loosehead side, with Joe Jones at tighthead. George Roberts starts between them at hooker.

In the second row, captain Ben Murphy is joined by Morgan Jones, making his Champ debut. Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait make up the rest of the back row, alongside Smith at 8. 

Our replacement front row is Conor Davidson, Lewis Thiede and Fred Davies. With East Timor Viliamu and Ehize Ehizode the other forwards named in the squad. 

Our backline starts with Ollie Fox at 9, and Russell Bennett at 10. Sale Sharks loan player, Will Wootton is our replacement 9, and Morgan Bunting is set to replace Bennett. 

Zach Kerr and Joe Margetts link up in the centre, with Semesa Rokoduguni shifting back out to the wing. Ex-Nottingham player Ryan Olowofela starts on the other wing, with Telusa Veainu at full back. Matt McNab is our utility back amongst the replacements. 

 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola, 2. George Roberts, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Josh Bainbridge, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Thom Smith, 9. Ollie Fox. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Ryan Olowofela, 12. Zach Kerr, 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Semesa Rokoduguni, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. East Timor Viliamu, 21. Will Wootton, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Matt McNab 

You can watch the game live on clubbertv.co.uk or secure your ticket to the Knights next home game! 

Doncaster Knights v Cambridge Rugby, Saturday 11th October – 2:30PM 

Doncaster Knights are pleased to announce the addition of two loan signings from Sale Sharks. Scrum half, Will Wooton and Prop Tye Raymont. 

Will Wootton

Will Wootton signed his first Senior Academy contract with Sale Sharks ahead of the 2023/24 season. The livewire back got into rugby after playing as a child with his two brothers. He played his junior rugby at Macclesfield Rugby Club and then, from the age of nine, at Wilmslow Rugby Club. 

Will played and captained his rugby team through junior school at Terra Nova, in Cheshire, before moving to Sedbergh School in year nine, where he was vice–captain in his final year.  At the age of 12 he caught the eye of Sharks coaches and joined the DPP, and it wasn’t long before he received international honours, being selected for England u18s’ tour of South Africa in the summer of 2022. 

Will captained England in one tour game and then was selected again to face Wales in March, 2023.

Tye Raymont

Leeds-born Tye Raymont started playing rugby at his local club, West Park Leeds, at the age of four, staying there until he was 16. 

He went to Prince Henry’s Grammar School from year seven to year 11 before leaving to go to Bishop Burton Rugby College, where he stayed until the age of 18, combining his studies with rugby at Yorkshire Academy.  

Tye, who has played for England at u18 level, joined Sale in 2022 and signed his first Senior Academy contract ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to have two premiership standard players amongst the squad. 

 

 

Doncaster Knights Raise £5,000 for RFU Injured Players Foundation

As part of their 150th anniversary celebrations, Doncaster Knights has raised £5,000 in support of the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), who were also the club’s matchday charity partner at last weekend’s pre-season fixture against Edinburgh.

The IPF is England Rugby’s official charity and supports players from any level of the game who have sustained a life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England, specifically those which result in the loss of or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute, severe traumatic brain injuries which result in permanent functional disability.  

Support is wide-ranging and can be provided for a player and their family for life if needed. The IPF also funds vital research to improve injury management and players’ quality of life, and to reduce the risk of injury in rugby.

The significant sum raised for the IPF was generated through a silent auction at the club’s150th dinner, part of a series of commemorative events planned by the Knights to mark this historic milestone season. Supporters were able to bid for a host of exclusive prizes which had been generously donated by legends of the game including Sir Ian McGeechan, George Ford, Will Greenwood and Nigel Owens, among others.

Doncaster Knights Club President, Steve Lloyd was on hand to present the £5,000 cheque to IPF Members who had been invited to enjoy Knights’ game against Edinburgh as hospitality guests.

The donation reflects the Knights’ ongoing support for the wider rugby community as they marked their 150th year.

IPF Director Karen Hood said: “We are incredibly grateful to Doncaster Knights and to everyone who contributed to the silent auction in support of the IPF.

“Match day partnerships like this are so important to help raise awareness of the IPF. Thankfully life-changing injuries remain extremely rare in our sport, but if they do happen it’s important for the rugby family to know we are here to help.

“The generosity of clubs like Doncaster Knights and IPF fundraisers enable us to offer wide-ranging support to a player and their family for life if needed.

“We have lots of fundraising initiatives throughout the year, so if Doncaster Knights’ support of the IPF has attracted your attention, we’d love you to get involved too in support of our injured players!”

To find out more visit RFUIPF.org.uk/get-involved

Follow @RFUIPF on Instagram and Facebook or @TheRugbyCharity on X

 

Doncaster Knights and Edinburgh Rugby finished all square at Castle Park during the Knights’ final test of pre season. 

Donny managed to get off the mark just 30 seconds in. Connor Edwards, on his return from injury ran a powerful hard line to break through. He shifted the ball across to Ryan Olowofela, who weaved his way to the line for his first try at Castle Park. 5-0. 

Second row, Josh Williams made a brilliant steal at the line out to put Donny in attack again and they worked their way up the pitch. Quick thinking from Alex Dolly saw him tap and go a penalty before popping the ball to Ben Chapman. Chapman carried hard to drive the ball over and Dolly slotted the conversion. 12-0.

The forwards continue to graft as a big push at scrum time earned the Knights a penalty. They kicked it for territory and the forwards began making big carries to draw in the defence. Bennett then whipped a long ball out to R Olowofela, giving him the space to go over with the help of his fancy footwork. Dolly added the conversion from out wide. 19-0 

Edinburgh soon snatched a try back through their scrum half, Hector Patterson who ran a brilliant support line. 19-5.

A yellow card for the Knights caused a shift in momentum and the visitors scored another just before the break. Harri Morris drove his way over the line, and they added the conversion leaving the half time score it 19-12. 

Edinburgh still had an extra man after the break, and they used this to their advantage to score the first try of the second half. Number 8 Tom Currie made a huge carry, before offloading to the scrum half again. 19-17.

Another try for the Scots soon followed as a little chip over the top ignited a great attack, they then moved the ball between multiple players to create the space to score. Conversion successful 19-24. 

Morgan Bunting placed a perfect cross field kick to Thom Smith who collected brilliantly on the wing and levelled the scores with an impressive try! 24-24

The forwards then put in another big stint – Edinburgh kick the ball dead at the kick off so the Knights opt for the scrum. The front row dominate and win a penalty, allowing Bunting to kick them into the attacking 22. A monster drive at the line out then followed, with George Roberts driving over from the maul. Bunting added the extras. 31-24. 

With the clock in the red, and Donny defending the try line, it came down to the wire in the final play. The Knights were piling in hit after hit to hold Edinburgh out, which they did for over 5 minutes. But, eventually Edinburgh ship the ball out to the wing, where they find space for the try. A fantastic kick from out wide means they levelled the scores. 

Full time score 31-31. 

Donny now turn all their focus to the start of the CHAMP league, which begins away in Nottingham on Friday night! We return to Castle Park on September the 11th to face Cambridge Rugby. Secure your ticket now

Here is your guide to Doncaster v Edinburgh, all the important information for Tomorrow’s game!

• 7 PM Kick-Off
• Friday 26th September
• Castle Park

Turnstiles open from 5pm!

Tickets:

Tickets for the fixture are cheaper when purchased online, however can be bought from the ticket window on the day.

The ticket window is located around the back of the Lloyd De Mulder stand. 

U16s tickets are FREE but they must still get a ticket to get through the turnstiles.

GET TICKETS

Season tickets can be collected from the ticket window from 5pm. 

Turnstiles: 

We have now added turnstiles to the ground allowing easier and quicker match day access! It is as simple as scanning your ticket at the gate to trigger entry through the turnstile!

We have worked with the engineers to speed up the function of the turnstiles. To help with a smooth entry to the ground, where possible, please distribute e-tickets so that each fan has their own ticket on their own device. If this is not possible – please can the ticket holder scan everyone through before entering the ground last.

Parking:

Parking is available on site and operates on a first come, first serve basis. 

Parking is also available for £3 at Outwood Academy Danum, which is just a short walk away from the ground.

Accessible Parking is available on woodside car park, access to the concourse from the bottom end can be given to reduce walking distance. 

Food and Drink: 

We will have a variety of Food and Drink options available on match day. All bars will be open! 

BRAND NEW DONUTS! We have now started selling donuts on all of our bars! 

Our famous Cow Pie will be available at the Knights Fayre, along with a selection of other hot food. You can also purchase pasties and hot drinks at the end of the concourse bar.

CAM Coffee will be on site for hot drinks and you can purchase your sweet treats from the sweet van!

Live Sport: 

We will be showing the following games in the concourse:

• Bath v Harlequins 
• Saracens v Newcastle Red Bulls

Club Shop:

Club shop will be open from 5pm! 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their first squad to run out at Castle Park this season. The Knights face Edinburgh Rugby for the second week in a row, after beating them 33-43 at the Hive Stadium last week. 

In the front row, Ben Chapman gets the start at hooker, with Conor Davidson and Lewis Thiede the props beside him. Captain, Ben Murphy comes into the line up to start in the second row with Josh Williams. 

Adam Hopkinson is named in the back row with Josh Bainbridge the other flanker and East Timor Viliamu starting at 8. 

Our front row replacements are hooker, George Roberts and Props, Logovi’i Mulipola and Joe Jones. Forwards, Ehize Ehizode, Morgan Jones, Thom Smith, Rhys Tait and Jasper McGuire are also listed among the replacements. 

We switch the half backs this week as Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett earn the starting shirts. Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting will replace them. 

We finally get to see double Olowofela action with a twin named on each wing, Jordan at 11 and Ryan at 14. Telusa Veainu is the full back between the pair. 

In the Centre, Connor Edwards returns with Semesa Rokoduguni on his outside. Backs, Matt McNab, Zach Kerr and Joe Margetts are also named amongst the replacements. 

Don’t miss the chance to catch our brand new squad at home for the first time. Secure your tickets now!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson, 2. Ben Chapman, 3. Lewis Thiede, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Josh Williams, 6. Adam Hopkinson, 7. Josh Bainbridge 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Jordan Olowofela, 12. Connor Edwards, 13. Semesa Rokoduguni, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. George Roberts, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola 18. Joe Jones, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Morgan Jones, 21. Thom Smith, 22. Ollie Fox, 23. Morgan Bunting, 24. Rhys Tait, 25. Jasper McGuire, 26. Matt McNab, 27. Zach Kerr, 28. Joe Margetts. 

 

Today’s match day charity partner – the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF)

Doncaster Knights have supported the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF). In addition to today’s opportunity to be match day charity partner, the Knights have generously donated £3,000 to the IPF from the silent auction at the club’s 150^th dinner.

The donation reflects the Knights’ ongoing support for the wider rugby community and is an example of how the rugby family looks after each other.

The IPF is England Rugby’s official charity and supports players from any level of the game who have sustained a life-changing injury while playing rugby union in England, specifically those which result in the loss of, or use of a limb, catastrophic spinal cord injuries or acute severe traumatic brain injuries which result in permanent functional disability.    

Thankfully, life-changing injuries like this are extremely rare in the sport. However, if a catastrophic injury does happen, the IPF will aim to be by a player’s hospital bedside within 48 hours and will continue to provide wide-ranging support for the player and their family for life, if needed. The IPF also funds vital research to improve injury management and players’ quality of life, and to reduce the risk of injury in rugby. 

Helping to spread the word about the IPF 

Match day partnerships like this are so important to help raise awareness of the IPF and the support it can provide, from funding rehabilitation, house adaptations or specialised equipment to supporting players in returning to work or education. While it’s highly unlikely a player you know will ever need the IPF, it’s important for the rugby community to be aware of how to access support if they do. Find out more at www.rfuipf.org.uk.

Please follow IPF socials and share information about the charity’s work and its inspiring members.

FACEBOOK: @RFUIPF      INSTAGRAM: @RFUIPF    X @TheRugbyCharity  Youtube: RFU Injured Players Foundation

Join Our IPF Squad

If Doncaster Knights’ partnership with the IPF has caught your attention today, do get in touch.

We’d love you to join the formidable IPF Support Squad we’re assembling, which includes well-known faces from Rugby World Cup winners to world-class referees. Find out more here

As part of this wider support squad, there are so many ways to get involved, from personal fundraising challenges to hosting an ‘Up Your Game’ fixture for the IPF. Special edition IPF socks are available for these matches, as stylishly modelled by Doncaster Knights today!

To find out more visit RFUIPF.org.uk/get-involved  

Physical season ticket cards are available for collection from the club’s reception during 9am and 4pm tomorrow and Friday. From 5pm on Friday, they can be collected from the ticket office before games.

Season tickets can also be accessed digitally. 

Follow the step by step for digital season tickets below: 

HOW TO GET STARTED 

Step 1:

Using the phone you wish to store your tickets on, click on this link, which will take you to the Doncaster Knights digital ticketing app.

Step 2:

• Add the Digital Ticketing icon to your home screen. 

• Chrome (Android):
  You will be prompted to add the Digital Ticketing page to your home screen when you open the Digital Ticketing Service for the first time. If you do not receive the prompt you can do so manually by selecting the three dots in the top right corner of the screen.
• Safari (iPhone):
  Select the “share” button (square with an arrow pointing upwards) in the bottom centre of the screen; Scroll up to find “Add to home screen” ; Select “Add” on the top right corner of the screen.

Note: Apple does not allow you to add the Digital Ticketing icon to your homepage if you are using Chrome, so we recommend using Safari.

Step 3a (if you have an account):

Log-in with your ticketing email address and password, from here you will be able to access all Season Tickets and Match Day Tickets.

Step 3b (if you DON’T have an account):

Select “Create Account” in the bottom left-hand corner, and fill out the required fields. Please ensure you use the email address that you used to purchase your Match Day Tickets or Season Ticket on. Then click login to continue. Once you’ve logged in, you will have access to tall Season Tickets and Match Day Tickets, which can also be added to your Apple or Google Wallet.

Step 4:

When you arrive at Castle Park, open the Digital Ticketing page that you have now added to your home screen, or via your Apple or Google Wallet. Select on the appropriate order(s); Present the given QR code(s) on your device to the stewards.

Step 5:

Make your way in and enjoy the game!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have appointed Ben Murphy as Club Captain for the second season running. 

Ben is now one of the longest serving members of the current squad, on 69 caps for the Knights. He had a stellar first season as Skipper last year, leading the boys to a third place finish and huge winning streak. 

Born in Wales, Murphy was a product of the regional pathways in Wales, beginning his rugby career at Abercynon for their junior squads, and played there until he was 18. 

In 2014, he then signed for Merthyr RFC, who at the time, were in the Welsh Championship. Murphy had a successful 3 years at the South Walian side, aiding in their epic success by winning the Championship in his second season and immediately winning the Welsh Premiership the season after.

In 2017, Ben was spotted by URC team, Cardiff Blues, and that was where he spent a lengthy period of his career. It was part-way through the 2021/22 season that Murphy ended his contract early with the Welsh capital, and made his way up to Doncaster in the November after only making 19 appearances for Cardiff.

We are delighted to be led by Murph again this year. 

Catch him in action for the first time this season on Friday night vs Edinburgh at Castle Park! GET TICKETS HERE