Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that Fly half, Russell Bennett has re-signed for the 2025/26 season.

Bennett has been a key player for the Knights over the past few years, ending the 23/24 season as top point scorer, with 115 points in 16 games. This season he currently stands top points scorer again on 118, with a handful of games still to go.

Bennett began his rugby career with The London Irish academy age groups before focusing his attention to university rugby, where he played for Cardiff Metropolitan, an established team in BUCS Super Rugby.

Russell then went on to play for Ampthill at the back end of the 2020/21 season, before a move to Jersey Reds in 2022/23, helping his side win the division title the same year. Doncaster Knights soon snapped up Bennett after his time at Jersey and since then, he has cemented himself as an important part of the squad.

Consultant DOR Sir Ian McGeechan said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to have Russell signed once again next season. He is an important leader for the squad and essential in expressing the rugby we want to play as a team. I have no doubt he will be key to taking our game to another level next season.”

Head of Recruitment Matt Harland said:

“We are thrilled that Rusty has decided to sign a new deal at the club for next season. Rusty is not only an ambitious player but is constantly striving to drive not just himself but the club forward on and off the field. He always continues to improve and we want to be the club that helps Russell achieve his ambitions.”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that front row, Joe Jones, will remain at the club for 2025/26. 

Jones brings brilliant experience to the squad, having played rugby in Wales, England and France. He wracked up over 50 caps for premiership side, Sale Sharks before returning to Doncaster Knights last season. 

This season, Jones has made 70 tackles in just over 600 minutes of rugby, earning a 96% success rate for his tackling. 

Forwards coach Darren Fearn said: 

“It’s great Joe has re-signed he’s a big part of this group, both on and off the field. His leadership and his attitude, and how much he cares about this group progressing and continuing to build.” 

“On the field, Joe is arguably playing some of the best rugby of his career. He often get’s labelled as this scrummaging tight-head, but he’s got so much more to his game than just that. He’s worked, and continues to work, very hard to keep progressing and I’m really exited to work with him next season to see how far he can go.” 

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“The opportunity to sign a tight-head like JJ is rare for a club never mind keep hold of, so we are delighted he is staying with us for another year. JJ has established himself as a key pillar within the squad and is one of, if not the best tight-head in the league.” 

 

 

Donny Knights lit up Castle Park as they triumphed to their seventh consecutive win by defeating Chinnor 38-14. 

It was a slow start from both sides as the first points weren’t scored until the seventeenth minute, with neither team allowing the other to break through their defence.

Doncaster’s forwards pack won a scrum penalty and Alex Dolly slotted it to eventually give the Knights a three point lead, 3-0. 

The Knights soon found their try scoring form as Morgan Strong broke through the defence and powered towards the line. A little bit of footwork allowed him to go the full length, scoring from about 40m out. Dolly added the extras 10-0.

Doncaster remained the more disciplined side and a penalty allowed Russell Bennett to kick us up to the 5m line. The set piece ran smoothy and Archie Smeaton found his way over the line from the back of the maul. Dolly converted again, 17-0.

The Knights showed brilliant maul defence to hold Chinnor out at the line, but the visitors worked hard to get back up to the line and eventually their forwards drove the ball under the posts. Conversion added.

Half time score 17-7.

Aidan Cross kicked off the second half scoring almost instantly as a superb intercept opened the space for him to carry all the way. Dolly extended the lead, 24-7.

Chinnor were penalised for being offside and Bennett placed another great kick to touch, bringing us up to the 5m line. The backs then joined the rolling maul to help the final push over the line and Rokoduguni grounded the ball. Dolly with a brilliant kick from out wide, added two more 31-7. 

The visitors had a lot of possession across the next five minutes but the Knights put in a huge defensive set with two notable big tackles coming from both Conor Davidson and Connor Edwards. 

The Knights worked their way into the 22 and a free kick at the line out meant Donny could move the ball quickly. Ben Chapman took off for the line swerving between Chinnor’s defence before diving over the line. Bennett added the extra two, 38-7. 

Chinnor’s scrum half snatched one more try for the visiting team as he broke away from the driving maul to find a gap. They added the extras to make the full time score 38-14. 

The Knights are on the road again in a fortnight to face fellow northern club Caldy, but return to Castle Park on May 10th for a big game against Coventry. 

Secure your ticket now!

 

𝗕𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗗𝗚𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘!

The club has designated an area of parking in the Woodside car park for blue badge holders.

They are first come first serve and chargeable at £5 as per normal match day protocol. Please let stewards know when you arrive and they will guide you to a space!

 

Doncaster Knights will revisit unfinished business with Chinnor on Saturday as we host them for round 17 of the Championship. 

Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face the task.

Logovi’i Mulipola comes back in to the front row, to pair with Conor Davidson. George Roberts keeps the number two shirt again. Our front row replacements are Fred Davies (hooker), Andrew Turner and Lewis Thiede. 

Behind them in the scrum, Adam Hopkinson moves back into the second row to join Ben Murphy and Archie Smeaton starts in the back row. Smeaton joins usual starters, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong. 

Ben Chapman and Jasper McGuire make up the other replacement forwards. 

Alex Dolly comes back in to the starting line up to pair with Russell Bennett and Connor Edwards comes back in to start at inside centre, with newly re-signed, Zach Kerr on his outside. 

Aidan Cross slots straight in to the starting team after a Stella performance off the bench against Cambridge. Semesa Rokoduguni comes back in to the other wing, with Telusa Veainu at full back. 

Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting make up the half back replacements, with Obi Ene the final back on the bench. 

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Semesa Rokoduguni. 13, Zach Kerr 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Aidan Cross. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Conor Davidson. 2, George Roberts. 3, Logovi’i Mulipola. 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, Ben Chapman. 20, Jasper McGuire. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Morgan Bunting. 23, Obi Ene. 

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

 

Doncaster Knights captain Ben Murphy talk’s recent form and previews this weekend’s fixture against Chinnor. 

The Knights have won six games on the bounce now, with a positive end to the Prem Cup and three championship wins in a row. Murphy said:

“We’re ecstatic, it’s all you can ask for, really. We’re just taking it one week at a time and that is all we can ask for, one win.” 

Like I’ve said previously, earlier on in the season we were quite a new team and we probably took things for granted that we needed to work on. As you can see, as the season’s gone, we’ve probably got better and better.”

Around the second prem cup block, it started to click, and I think we found a game plan that suits us and our players. And it’s just been one game at a time, going after what we can control.” 

Despite the positive from, Murph acknowledged that this weekend poses a big test for the team. Our game earlier in the season against Chinnor was cut short due to floodlight failure, and with just five points in it and 10+ mins to go, Chinnor were awarded the win. 

Murph said, “It was, unforeseen circumstances, we have unfinished business there. It is a big part if the game plan this weekend.”

In fairness, they’ve got a big 22 game, they are dangerous when they get in our 22. So obviously we’re going to try and limit those entries and then obviously at some point they’re going to make it, it’s then about barring up and keeping them from crossing the line.” 

He explained how he has captained the team to help maintain their positive performances. “I’m probably an unconventional captain as, I let other boys do the talking in certain areas, but, yeah, I just make sure everyone’s on point, try and lead by example rather than what I say.” 

He also touched on how important it will be to be back at home with the fans behind us.

“Like I said after the Ealing game, as you can tell off the field, people are really buying into it, it’s massive, the fans traveling with us recently too, it really is huge especially in those dying moments of a game.” 

 

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

• 14:30 PM Kick-Off
• Saturday 19th April
• Castle Park

Turnstiles open from 12:00!

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

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.

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:

• Women’s Six Nations 
• Harlequins v Sale Sharks

Club Shop:

Club shop will be open from 12!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to confirm that Zach Kerr has re-signed for 2025/26.

Kerr was born in Ireland but moved to Newcastle in 2020 to study law at University. During his time playing university rugby, he was picked up by Newcastle Falcons to sign his first professional contract, earning his first Premiership cap in 2021 against Exeter Chiefs.

After the 2023/24 season, he left Newcastle after 17 appearances and 3 tries, making the move to Doncaster Knights. Kerr has been a huge addition to the Doncaster Knights squad this season, earning a reputation for his impressive defensive ability, playing all but two games and scoring 4 tries.

Consultant DOR Sir Ian McGeechan said:

“We are delighted Zach has re-signed, he has made a tremendous contribution to the squad this season. Both on and off the field and he has become a really important part of the team’s development.”

Head Coach Joe Ford said:

“Zach is a brilliant professional who can play in a number of different positions throughout the backline and will be equally as good in all of them. He competes on every single play never refusing to take a backward step. We are lucky to have him in our team.” 

Watch Kerr’s highlights: 

Catch Zach and the team in action again this weekend against Chinnor. Secure your ticket here. 

 

Everyone at Doncaster Knights is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, Noel Senior. 

Noel was a hugely valued member of the Doncaster Knights community who played for the club in the 1960’s and 1970’s, as well as working with the mini and junior section. He was also a committed member of the ‘Knight shift’, a fantastic group of volunteers that support the club. As well as becoming a member of the ‘Chain Gang’ in 2002.

Growing up, Senior went to Mexborough Grammar School, where he was first introduced to rugby. As a boy, he took part in scouting and became a Queen’s Scout attending the World Scouting Jamboree before leaving school to complete his National Service, where he served in the Royal Artillery. Whilst in the Royal Artillery he continued to play rugby but also boxed and competed in athletics.

He then studied to become a teacher which became his life’s vocation. He taught for 34 years at what was first Percy Jackson Grammar School and then amalgamated to become Adwick School. Most notably, Noel was a family man and aside from being married to Sheila and having two sons he leaves 4 grandchildren and one great grandchild who were all the apple of his eye.

The club sends their deepest condolences to all his family and friends at this sad time, he will be massively missed here at Doncaster Knights. 

The details of Noel’s funeral are:

12.30pm

Wednesday the 30^th April

St Peters Church, Barnburgh (between High Melton and Goldthorpe), DN5 7ES.

 

Doncaster Knights are pleased to confirm the appointment of Tom Foy as General Manager of Doncaster Knights.

Tom steps into the role with a clear vision to strengthen the club’s commercial and operational performance, working closely with Director of Rugby Sir Ian McGeechan and Head Coach Joe Ford to ensure alignment between the club’s strategic ambitions and rugby operations.

Having previously served as the club’s Head of Commercial, Tom brings a wealth of experience in partnership development, matchday operations, and stakeholder engagement. Under his leadership, the Knights have seen a significant uplift in commercial growth, including the successful renewal and expansion of key sponsorships and partnerships across the board.

Speaking on his appointment, Tom said:

“I’m incredibly proud to step into the role of General Manager at Doncaster Knights. It’s a privilege to represent a club with such strong heritage, ambition, and support from our community. I’m excited to lead the commercial and operational side of the club as we align our off-field strategy with our on-field goals. With a strong team around me and a clear vision ahead, I’m confident we can take the Knights to the next level.”

Club Chairman, Tony De Mulder added:

“Tom has shown outstanding commitment and capability in his time with the Knights. His leadership, drive, and deep understanding of the club make him the ideal person to take on this role. We are confident he will play a key part in shaping a successful future for Doncaster Knights.”

Tom’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as the club looks to build towards ambitious goals, including the proposed expansion of Castle Park’s capacity to support potential promotion opportunities and an enhanced matchday experience.

Tracey Owen who has been a fantastic addition to the commercial department over the last 2 years has been promoted to Head of Commercial and the club has recently appointed Joanna Finucane as Head of Events & Hospitality to lead our events and conferencing business here at Castle Park.

The club would like to congratulate Tom on his new role and look forward to continued progress under his leadership.

THE leading connectivity and business managed services partner Connectus is investing an additional £500,000 at Doncaster Airport Business Park, the company announced today.

The investment will see Connectus turbocharge its work in and around the site’s Innovation – which consists of 140 business units for start-ups and growing businesses.

Connectus’ cash-injection comes just days after the Government announced it will  plough £30m into the newly-reopened Doncaster Sheffield Airport. 

Roy Shelton, the CEO of Connectus, said one key focus of the investment would be to create additional technical solutions designed to safeguard the airport in event of a Heathrow-style outage.

Mr Shelton said: “This new investment underlines our commitment to provide the very best connectivity services to Doncaster Airport Business Park and the businesses based there. 

“Connectus is the leading managed services provider around the City of Doncaster, and this investment will further strengthen this. 

“We’ve already invested £1m over several years at the Business Park, which has helped to ensure all businesses on the park can enjoy access to our gigabit full fibre network. Now we’ll go further and faster to give lift off to even better services.”

The £500,000 of investment pledged by Connectus, which has offices in Doncaster , Salford and Grimsby, will focus on:

• Creating two diverse links for increased connectivity to the site. This will help ensure that if there is an outage at one telecoms exchange, the site remains live unlike what recently happened at Heathrow;
• Developing new engineering roles to manage and support an increased demand for services;
• Rolling out additional renewable and alternative power solutions to further mitigate the risks of a replay of the Heathrow incident, feared to have unfolded due to an over-reliance on one supplier;
• Building new AI based diagnostics and tooling via our partner Kaseya;
• Investing in more community outreach including continued support to Doncaster Knights Rugby Union and other grassroots sports clubs.

Earlier this month the Prime Minister confirmed a total of £30m would be released by the government to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

On a visit to Doncaster, Sir Keir Starmer said the previous government’s decision in January 2024 to block South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard spending the regional funding to relaunch the site would be reversed.

The airport closed in 2022 and since then South Yorkshire politicians and business groups have campaigned to reopen it as a keystone of wider development plans for the region.

During a visit to the site, Starmer said he was “really delighted” to be able to support the airport’s reopening with the multi million-pound investment.

“We are backing this region as a sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire and giving lift-off for growth here in Doncaster,” Starmer said.

The Airport is located seven miles from Doncaster and 25 miles from Sheffield, serving passengers across Yorkshire, the Humber and North Midlands. 

Formally the home of RAF Finningley, DA commenced commercial operations in April 2005 and by 2011 handled over 840,000 passengers, with flights to over 30 destinations.

Adjacent to the Airport, is the Gateway East/Doncaster Airport Business Park. 

Covering an area of around 62 acres, the Business Park has planning consent for over 2,000,000sq ft (186,000sq m) of commercial development. Opportunities exist for new builds ranging in size from 7,500sq ft (796 sq m) up to 245,000sq ft (22,760sq m). Today, the Business Park consists of a number of business units, with over 180 businesses occupying in excess of 500,000sq ft (46,000sq m). Also located on the site is a 100 bed Ramada Encore hotel, a Children’s Nursery, Health & Fitness club and a private fee-paying school catering for 5 -18-year-olds.