Author: Anthony De Mulder

Full Back, Telusa Veainu re-signs for 2025/26

Posted on by Anthony De Mulder

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Full Back, Telusa Veianu re-signs for 2025/26.

Starting his rugby career in New Zealand, Veainu worked his way through the age groups of Canterbury RFC’s squads, before being rewarded with an appearance in the New Zealand U20s World Cup in 2010, where he scored 5 tries, including a hat-trick in the final. Telusa got his call up to the Canterbury first team squad and went on to make 34 appearances and scoring 21 tries.

In 2015, he relocated to England and joined Leicester Tigers, where he really began to make a name for himself and stunned the Premiership crowds. Playing for the Midlands side 80 times and scoring a brilliant 32 tries, he became a fan favourite during his 5-year tenure, and even helped the squad lift the Anglo-Welsh Cup in the 2016/17 season.

Internationally, Telusa represneted Tonga at senior level and was selected for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Since then he has played 12 times for the ‘Sea Eagles’ scoring 8 times, and was even selected in the 2019 World Cup Squad, in which he was Tonga’s top try-scorer.

Ahead of the 2020/21 season, Telusa hopped across the Channel this time and joined Stade Français. He remained a consistent and dependent player for the French side, and managed to reach double figure tries, scoring 10 during his 3 years in the capital.

Most recently, he joined Doncaster Knights this season after spending a year with fellow northern club Sale Sharks. 

He has been an intergral part of the Knights this season, sharing his experience and skills with those around him. 

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Telusa. But, to have a player of his quality at the club is everything when you are building a squad. You can see the influence he is having on the team by the way we have been playing since Christmas. He pushes everyone to get the most from training and takes the level up each day. We are delighted to have him at the club and it shows how serious the club are about pushing on to that next step.”

Jasper McGuire re-signs with Doncaster Knights

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The club is very pleased to share that Jasper McGuire has re-signed for another season. 

In 2017, McGuire was first brought in to the Yorkshire Academy. After two successful seasons in their academy, McGuire moved on to university where he played for Northumbria University in the BUCS Super Rugby league for 4 years. He then moved across the city to Newcastle Uni and played a year with them as he completed his Masters in Urban Planning.

At the end of his Masters in 2023, Jasper was chosen for the England Students squad, managed by forwards coach Daz Fearn, and also signed his first pro contract for Premiership club, Saracens in April of that year. He then spent a period on loan at Saracen’s feeder team, Ampthill, playing 13 times in the Championship and Prem Cup.

Japser then made the move to Doncaster Kights at the start of this season, proving an important player in the team, playing both prop and number eight. 

Forwards Coach Darren Fearn said:

“It’s great Jasper has committed to the club. He is someone you want with you going into battle, we need blokes like that. Jasper’s versatility this season shows the talent of him as a rugby player, and how much we value him. Jasper is a proud Yorkshireman and I know what playing for Doncaster means to him & his Family.” 

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“We are all really happy Jasper has decided to stay at the club for next season. Another Yorkshire lad and a player that we’ve seen develop through University to now. He is also a player Daz knows very well. The physicality and adaptability he brings to the team is exciting, I think we are just scratching the surface of what Jasper is capable of and we are looking forward to see him continue that at Castle Park next season.” 

 

Hooker, Ben Chapman re-signs for 2025/26

Posted on by Anthony De Mulder

Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that Hooker, Ben Chapman has re-signed for 2025/26.

Chapman started his rugby at just 4-years-old with his home team, Crowborough RFC. He worked his way through the ranks there, and pursued his rugby while at school at Skinner’s School in Tunbridge Wells, becoming 1st XV Captain in his final year. 

He was part of the England youth set-ups on multiple occasions, for the U18s Counties squad in 2019. He was also a leading player in the Cardiff University 1st team, who had their highest BUCS Super Rugby finish with Chapman as vice-captain, which earned him a spot in the England Students squad.

After his university studies, he joined Ampthill as a consistent starter in their 2023/24 campaign, before moving here last season. Since then, Chapman has become an integral member of the squad, impressing with his fantastic work rate, energy and skill set. 

Forwards Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Chappers staying for another season is great for our group. He has a great attitude and is such a coachable lad. Chappers skill set fits so much with our game, he’s stood out at hooker & back row this season. Chappers has really gone after his set piece & we are seeing the impact of this on the field. I am really excited to work with Chappers again next season.”

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“We are delighted that Chappers has decided to stay at the club for next season. I’ve watched him closely since his time at Uni and watched his game continue to develop over the last few years. More so this year in a full time environment, we know there is much more to come from Chappers and that is exciting for the club to have that talent at Castle Park for another year.”

 

Centre, Connor Edwards re-signs for 2025/26

Posted on by Anthony De Mulder

Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that long serving centre, Connor Edwards will be staying at the club.

Connor Edwards is a proud Welshman and started his rugby playing career in the Welsh Valleys, in the town of Cwmbran. He played his junior rugby at Croesyceiliog RFC. 

At the age of 18 he was selected to join URC side, Newport Dragons. After stellar performances for the Dragons, he was called up to the Welsh U20s squad in 2017. 

After 19 appearances during his time at Rodney Parade, he spent a few loan spells with Championship clubs, Jersey Reds and Hartpury. As he was coming to the end of his time at Newport, in March 2021, he was called into the Knights squad and remained a key player here every since.

As one of the longest reigning players in the team, Connor is a true leader within the group and we are delighted to have him for this upcoming campaign.

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“We are all delighted that Connor has decided to re-sign at the club again for next year. The leadership he shows within the squad, both on and off the pitch is a real asset.

“Connor is a well respected member of the squad, his hard hitting no nonsense approach often means that wherever he leads others will follow. So to have that caliber of player in the squad is brilliant news for the club next season.” 

 

Knights defeat Cov with superb second half come back

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Doncaster Knights defeat Coventry 38-24 with a superb second half comeback. 

It was a slow start for the Knights as Coventry came out the blocks strongly. The visitors opened the scores just four minuites in with their number 8, Nayalo showing impressive power to drive over. They added the conversion to go 0-7 up. 

Shortly after, Alex Dolly kept the Knights in the game by slotting three points and closing the scores. 3-7

Coventry came back fighting, using the power of their forwards again to drive over the line for a second score. Another conversion put them 3-14 up.

The Knights continued to fight and Telusa Veainu displayed his notorious footwork, allowing him to weave in and out of Coventry’s defenders. He chucked the ball backwards for Dolly to scoop up and dive over under the posts. Dolly added the extras to his own try, scoring all 10 of Doncaster’s first points, 10-14. 

Coventry slotted a penalty and carried that momentum into another score. Their final try before the half time whistle was intercepted from under the Knight’s noses and carried the length. They added the extras 10-24. 

Half time score Doncaster 10 – 24 Coventry.

Donny came out to the second half with fantastic energy, a scrum penalty from the pack allowed Russell Bennett to kick us up to the 5m line. The forwards then put in another big shift as a dominant driving maul made its way over the line. Coventry were penalised for illegally bringing down the maul, meaning Doncaster were awarded all 7 points in the form of a penalty try. 17-24. 

With the Knights now within a converted try, they continued to display really threatening attack. Captain, Ben Murphy made an unbeliveable carry, charging nearly 10m forward with Coventry players hanging off him. In the next phase, Bennett kicked a well placed cross-field to Obi Ene, who made a fantastic run up the wing before finishing in the corner. Dolly slotted a really crucial conversion from the touchline to level the scores. 24-24. 

Doncaster’s next try followed almost instantly as Rokoduguni offloaded nicely to Jordan Olowofela. Olowofela put boot to ball and Zach Kerr chased it down, sliding over the line with the ball. Another good conversion from our scrum half. 31-24. 

The Knights started to play with little to no errors and Veainu kicked an impressive 50:22 to give Doncaster a line out inside the 22. The set peice was spotless and the back line moved the ball quickly out to Olowofela on the wing, who ducked under Coventry’s defence to score. Dolly converted again, 38-24.

Coventry continued to fight back in the attempt to earn a bonus point, but Doncaster defended brilliantly. Archie Smeaton turned the ball over at the breakdown to keep the Knights on the front foot, and eventually our replacement hooker Ben Chapman kicked a 50:22 with the clock in red, securing the Knights their 9th concecutive win. 

Congratualtions to our man of the match, Ben Murphy, for superb defence, dominant carries and his all important leadership. 

Another big test awaits the Knights next week as they travel to face Hartpury away, but they return to Castle Park in a fortnight for our all important 150th anniversary game against Cornish Pirates. 

Secure your tickets to the final home game of the season! 

 

 

 

Doncaster recieve Lions plaque for former Lion & Knight

Posted on by Anthony De Mulder

Doncaster Knights have recieved a ‘Lions Origin’ plaque from the British and Irish Lions. 

The plaque has been presented to the club for playing a part in the career or ex Welsh international Darren Morris.

Darren Morris played in the 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia and was a player coach at Doncaster Knights in 2013, helping us achieve promotion back into the Championship. 

We hope to see a former Knight pull on a lions jersey in the future! 

TEAM NEWS – Knights named to face Coventry (H)

Posted on by Anthony De Mulder

Doncaster Knights return to Castle Park this weekend to face Coventry in round 19 of the Championship.

Andrew Turner and Lewis Thiede make up the props, with George Roberts the hooker in between. Jasper McGuire and Ethan Hulme are the front row replacements, with Ben Chapman as the reserve hooker.

Josh Williams returns from Navy Duty to join Ben Murphy in the second row, with our back row made up of Adam Hopkinson, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong.

Archie Smeaton and Conor Davidson make up the remaining forward replacements.

Our half back pairing is unchanged, with Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett pulling the strings. Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting are set to replace them. 

Semesa Rokoduguni returns from Army duty to slot into the starting back line, with Zach Kerr, Jordan Olowofela, Aidan Cross and Telusa Veainu. 

Obi Ene is the final back on the bench. 

Secure your ticket to this game now!

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Semesa Rokoduguni. 13, Jordan Olowofela, 12, Zach Kerr. 11, Aidan Cross. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Andrew Turner. 2, George Roberts. 3, Lewis Thiede. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Josh Williams. 6, Adam Hopkinson. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.

Replacements | 16, Ben Chapman 17, Jasper McGuire. 18, Ethan Hulme. 19, Archie Smeaton. 20, Conor Davidson. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Morgan Bunting. 23, Obi Ene. 

Unavailable For Selection | Thom Smith, Harry Davey, Joe Jones, Maliq Holden, Connor Edwards