Highlights from Caldy v Doncaster Knights. Premiership Rugby Cup, Round Three. 

With a tumultuous start to the day with the weather, the game promised to be a well fought affair, with the better team being the one to control the conditions the best and capitalise on their chances.

As both teams got to grips with the wind and drizzle, mistakes were made by both sides with plenty of first half scrums, testing both packs’ stamina.

It was slow out the blocks for the Knights though, as the home side used familiarity to their advantage, niggling away at Doncaster, and within 7 minutes of the game, caught the Knights on the back foot with a good move through the backs, allowing Will Robinson to take a hard line and ease through under the sticks. Caldy added the extras.

Doncaster responded quickly with a lineout to Caldy on their 22-meter line. Second row, Euan McVie, turned it over in the line as Dolly gathered it and hit Morgan Strong in the line, beating a few defenders and finishing under the sticks. Dolly converted simply.

Caldy regained front foot ball and camped themselves in the Knights’ 22 winning a few penalties, keeping it in the corner. They scored their second try of the game from a driving maul on the 5-meter line. Conversion missed due to a swirling wind.

A lull came in the game as the weather began to settle too, both teams conceding handling errors, but Doncaster piled on the pressure coming close on a couple of occasions.

The breakthrough for the Knights came with 5 minutes to go in the half, Zach Kerr breaking the line and jostling past defenders to finish a brilliant solo try. Dolly kept his 100% kick rate in the game.

Half-time, 12-14 to the Knights. With the rain stopping, Doncaster were only just getting started.

Doncaster applied early scoreboard pressure through Alex Dolly slotting a penalty from in front of the posts.

Caldy went a man down within 10 minutes of the second half to give Doncaster some continued momentum and capitalised immediately through loanee, Tom Currie, driving over the line from close quarters. Dolly, again, adding two more. 12-24.

The Knights did not give up and kept Caldy from entering their half, and after coming close once already, they came even closer, scoring in the corner after a brilliantly worked backs move thanks to Jordan Olowofela, securing the bonus point. Dolly battled the wind and slotted home the extras.

A number of changes from the Knights came on to pump more energy into the match, and off a lineout, Morgan Bunting completed a brilliant, missed pass for Rokoduguni to dive over the line and make the scoreline 12-38 after Dolly added two more.

More misery followed again for Caldy as they had another man in the bin, discipline going out the window. Knights came close twice more, dropping it over the line on both occasions.

One last moment of magic came for the Knights with a terrific line break from full back, Harry Davey, as he off-loaded it to Ollie Fox who nodded through a weak-foot, inch-perfect grubber for Morgan Bunting to run on to and touch in down in the try zone.

As a consolation, Caldy entered the Knights’ 22 for the first time in the second half, and made the most of it scoring another driving maul from the 5-meter line.

An incredible performance from Doncaster that Joe Ford described as, “another step in the right direction. This win was won by our forwards who grafted from minute 1 to 80. These are performances we know we’re capable of and are confident will carry on through the league.”

Full time: Caldy, 19-43 Doncaster Knights.

Two big names back in the team as the Knights prepare to travel to Caldy for round three of the Premiership Rugby Cup. 

Semesa Rokoduguni slots back in to the starting line up, joined by Jordan Olowofela and Maliq Holden amongst the back three. With the ex-falcon duo of Zach Kerr and George Wacokecoke in the centres. 

Ford and McGeechan have selected a different half back pairing of Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting, with previous Prem Cup starters, Russell Bennett and Ollie Fox both in the replacements. 

In the forwards, Ben Chapman gets his first competitive start at hooker, accompanied by Andrew Turner and Joe Jones. Logovi’i Mulipola is set to make his return from injury off the bench, and Jasper McGuire the other prop replacement and George Roberts the replacement hooker. 

Captain, Ben Murphy, returns from his ban, and pairs up with Edinburgh loan player, Euan McVie in the second row. Tom Currie, Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong make up the back row. 

Josh Williams and Archie Smeaton are the other forwards on the bench, and Harry Davey is the final replacement back. 

Starting XV | 15, Jordan Olowofela. 14, Semesa Rokoduguni. 13, George Wacokecoke. 12, Zach Kerr. 11, Maliq Holden. 10, Morgan Bunting. 9, Alex Dolly. 1, Andrew Turner. 2, Ben Chapman. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Euan McVie. 5, Ben Murphy (C). 6, Tom Currie. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.

Replacements | 16, George Roberts. 17, Jasper McGuire. 18, Logovi’i Mulipola. 19, Josh Williams. 20, Archie Smeaton. 21, Ollie Fox. 22, Russell Bennett 23, Harry Davey.

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Cory Teague, Adam Hopkinson, Conor Davidson.

The Knights kick off in Caldy at 2pm on Saturday 23rd November. For live updates follow our X (Previously twitter). Follow here

The team will then turn their focus back to the Championship as we host Cambridge on the 30th. Get your tickets here! 

You can now purchase your half season ticket for the remaining Doncaster Knights fixtures at Castle Park! For as little as £12 per game, don’t miss this opportunity to secure an exciting mix of Premiership Cup and Championship fixtures at INCREDIBLE value. 

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the Knights family, this half-season ticket ensures you won’t miss a moment of the drama and excitement that only live rugby can give you. This is your chance to secure your seat for the final seven home games of our 150th anniversary season, including blockbuster matches against Ealing Trailfinders, Coventry, and, what promises to be an epic rematch, against Newcastle, after a narrow 3-point defeat at Kingston Park.

The included games are: 

• Knights vs Newcastle – Sat 1^st Feb
• Knights vs Caldy – Sat 15^th Feb
• Knights vs Ealing Trailfinders – Sat 22^nd March
• Knights vs Bedford Blues – Sat 5^th April
• Knights vs Chinnor – Sat 19^th April
• Knights vs Coventry – Sat 10^th May
• Knights vs Cornish Pirates – Sat 24^th May

Price range:

HALF SEASON TICKET – MAIN STAND (Seated)

• Adult £98.00
• Concession (65+) £91.00
• U16s FREE

HALF SEASON TICKET – TERRACE (Standing)

• Adult £84.00
• Concession (65+) £84
• U16s FREE

HOW TO PURCHASE: These can only be purchased by calling the club on 01302 831388

Doncaster Knights are delighted to extend their current contract with Pinders, keeping them as official printing partner.

Pinders are a print, display and signage company who provide companies with signs, boards, posters, retail graphics and much more. Pinders and the Knights have worked together for a few season now, and everyone is delighted for the contract extension. As the Knights’ official print and signage partner, they supply us with all our pitch-side and driveway boards, and all other signage around Castle Park as we showcase all our other supporters in business.

Head of Sales at Pinders, Jeff Owen, came across to Castle Park to resign the deal saying “we are delighted to extend our successful partnership as print and signage suppliers to Doncaster Knights and Castle Park until the end of the 2027 season and then hopefully beyond. We have enjoyed an excellent relationship since 2019 and look forward to many more years of continued success and we eagerly anticipate the remainder of what is sure to be a successful Championship campaign.”

Tom Foy, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights, reflected on the deal saying “as the official Print & Signage partner for Doncaster Knights, Pinders plays an integral role in providing high-quality printed materials and signage that enhance the club’s professional image. This partnership ensures the Knights’ branding and communications maintain a consistent, polished look, which resonates well with supporters and partners alike. The extension of our agreement with Pinders allows the club to meet all our signage needs efficiently, supporting everything from game-day visuals to broader marketing efforts.”

This deal is proof of a great business and personal relationship between Pinders and the club, and one that has proven to stand the test of time, and everyone involved hopes that this will continue for many more years to come. To learn more about all offerings Pinders have, you can read more on their website.

If you are interested about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388.

Be part of our history and have a personalised brick on our 150th Anniversary wall

As we proudly celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Doncaster Knights, we’re excited to launch a unique opportunity for fans and supporters to become part of our club’s history. To mark this milestone, Castle Park will erecting an ‘Anniversary Wall,’ where fans can purchase customisable granite plaques that will be placed permanently on display. Each plaque will not only pay tribute to our incredible history but also celebrate the loyal community that has supported the Knights throughout the years.

This ‘Anniversary Wall’ offers our fans a special chance to secure their place in the club’s legacy. Starting at just £60, you can personalise a brick with your name, a special message, or even a tribute to a loved one who share your passion for Doncaster Knights. The plaques provide the perfect opportunity to mark special occasions such as birthdays, marriages, and anniversaries, or any other special occasions, allowing you to leave a lasting symbol of pride and connection to the club.

A portion of the funds raised through this initiative will be directly reinvested into the club, supporting upgrades to various areas of Castle Park. In this way, each plaque represents a shared commitment to both the legacy and the future of Doncaster Knights. Our ‘Anniversary Wall’ will be a place for fans to gather and reflect, honouring both the past heroes and present supporters who have played a part in our journey.

This wall will serve as a lasting tribute to the Knights Family, from our founding days to today’s loyal fanbase. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a new addition to the Knights Family, this is your chance to leave a mark on our home, Castle Park, and become part of a historic milestone as we celebrate a century and a half of passion, pride, and community.

For more information on how to order and personalise your brick and create a lasting legacy, just in time for Christmas, please click this link, or contact Tom Foy: [email protected]. Let’s build a future as bright as our past, one brick at a time!

Doncaster Knights are looking for bar and hospitality staff with previous experience. 

Hours

• Flexible
• Varied based on events
• Weekends/evenings and some weekdays
• Match days

Responsibilities

• Prepare alcohol or non-alcohol beverages for bar
• Interact with customers, take orders and serve snacks and drinks
• Assess customers’ needs and preferences and make recommendations
• Plan and present bar
• Check customers’ identification and confirm it meets legal drinking age
• Restock and replenish bar inventory and supplies
• Stay customer focused and nurture an excellent guest experience
• Comply with all food and beverage regulations

Requirements and skills

• Have experience as a Bartender
• Excellent knowledge the different types of drinks
• Positive attitude and excellent communication skills
• Ability to keep the bar organised, stocked and clean
• Previous experience using tills

How to apply:

If you are interested in the role, please email your CV to [email protected]

Simon Gillham has been appointed Chair of the newly established Tier 2 Board, taking up his role with immediate effect. 

Comprising senior representatives from both the RFU and the Tier 2 clubs, this new Board is the body responsible for driving the growth of the second tier of the men’s game in England, working in partnership to ensure the optimal running and commercialisation of the league.

As part of the transformation of the men’s professional game the RFU, Championship Club Committee and Premiership Rugby have been working to develop a reimagined Tier 2. The objective is to create a second tier that supports the English system by developing young English talent, whilst supporting the clubs to become financially sustainable by growing local audiences and increasing the value in the league.

Simon has spent over 20 years in French professional rugby, while involved with CA Brive, becoming the first non-French President in the Top 14 and Pro D2. During his time at the club, he has been a shareholder, administrator and President and he has sat on various committees and working groups for professional European rugby.  In June 2024, Simon stepped down from his role as President of Brive and is currently Vice President.

Alongside, a career spent in professional rugby, Simon has worked in global corporations. He was previously on the Vivendi Management Board, Chairman of Vivendi Village and EVP of Communications for Vivendi. In these roles he oversaw the activities of Vivendi Ticketing (See Tickets), Olympia Production and U-Live (production of shows, festivals and concerts), as well as the legendary Paris theatre, l’Olympia.

He has also been involved in many sponsorship deals including Vivendi with the Rugby World Cup 2023 and with major international brands for Brive. Simon has also been involved in all the Canal+ and LNR TV agreements for the last 15 years.

Commenting on this appointment Simon Gillham stated: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Chair of the Tier 2 Board. During discussions and observations of recent weeks I have been very impressed by the standards of Championship Rugby both on and off the rugby field. We must now build on the existing positives and work with the RFU, Premiership Rugby, the RPA and all the English rugby clubs to raise the standards further. This will involve talent and infrastructure development, strict financial discipline, a vibrant promotion/relegation system and raised visibility through media and sponsorship agreements. I can’t wait to get going.” 

Conor O’Shea, RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby and Tier 2 Board member said: “We’re really pleased that Simon will be Chairing the Tier 2 Board and helping to drive our plans for developing English rugby’s second tier.  His commercial experience as well as that from his involvement in French rugby, particularly in Pro D2, widely considered one of the most successful second tier leagues globally, will be invaluable.”

Nick Johnston, Coventry Rugby CEO, and Tier 2 Board member said: “Simon will bring huge value to the Board and the league more widely: we’re delighted by his appointment.  Over the course of his 20-year involvement in French rugby he has seen Pro D2 develop substantially and has first-hand experience of the keys to that success will be of huge benefit to us.  We look forward to him joining us as we gear up to a launch of the league for the 2025-26 season.”

Simon is joined on the Board by RFU Executive Director of Performance Rugby, Conor O’Shea, RFU Commercial Director, Stuart Ramsey, RFU Council Member, Terry Burwell, Coventry Rugby CEO, Nick Johnston, former Nottingham CEO, Simon Beatham, and Simon Cohen, former Leicester Tigers CEO and current Championship representative on RFU Council. 

After a slow start meant the half time score was 28-0, Doncaster Knights came fighting back by scoring four tries and preventing the falcons from getting over the line again.

Doncaster spent the first 15 minutes with most of the possession but Newcastle were clinical in defence and Doncaster struggled to break through.

It wasn’t until the 17^th minute that Newcastle scored their first try, they shipped the ball out of a maul to Alex Hearle, who made a break under the posts. They added the extras.

Ollie Fletcher scored the second of Newcastle’s tries shortly after as he dove over the line out the back of the driving maul.

A third try followed for the hosts as they found space out wide and dished the ball between them allowing Ethan Grayson to score in the corner. Both tries were converted.

Doncaster showed glimpses of what they are capable of. Josh Williams made a notable defensive effort as he tackled Alex Hearle into touch after Hearle caught a high ball.

Russell Bennett showed the strength of his boot on multiple occasions to gain territory for the Knights. And Morgan Strong made a handful of excellent carries, palming off Newcastle defenders while doing so.

However, Newcastle continued to defend exceptionally, and a few errors here and there meant the Knights couldn’t covert to points.

The Falcons claimed one more just before half time as Freddie Lockwood ran a hard line to crack the Knight’s defence. They added the extras again.

Half time score 28-0.

Doncaster started the second half with serious determination, winning a scrum penalty to give them the chance to work their way up the pitch.

Morgan Strong made a break to eat up meters before offloading to Euan McVie. McVie carried with pace and strength to find his way over the line. Bennett added the extras.

The Knights continued to make positive impact as Lewis Thiede turned the ball over at the breakdown.

Strong carried to create a gap into open play and ran the Knights back into the 22. They continued to work, with the forwards carrying at the line and Tom Currie finally managed to squeeze his way over the line. Claiming his second try in two games. Bennett successfully converted again.

Doncaster continued to attack but Newcastle beat the Knights to the breakdown and earned a penalty. They extended their lead by three points.

However, Donny continued to dominate possession and a fantastic hard line from Connor Edwards allowed him to fly through the Falcons and dive under the posts. Bennett slotted the conversion. 

The Knights were determined to keep possession and began fighting for another after the restart.

A penalty allowed Bennett to kick us to the 5m line, and Doncaster shipped the ball out the maul to the back line. Veainu danced around Falcons defence before darting over the line.

Bennett made it 100% kicking accuracy with his final conversion of the game.

With just three points in it and the clock in the red, Doncaster worked their way to the try line. From minute 81 to 85, the Knights were carrying hard, but Newcastle’s defence was rock solid, and they eventually turned the ball over.

Full time score Falcons 31- 28 Knights.

“They’re going to be confrontational, they’ll make it tough, and we are excited for that”: Ex-Falcon and Knights forwards coach, Darren Fearn previews Newcastle Away. 

Fearn has spent a lot of his rugby career in and around the Newcastle rugby scene. Living in the city, being part of Newcastle Falcons during his playing career and currently DOR at Newcastle University. 

The ex-front row is part way through his first season as a coach at Doncaster Knights. He said: “yeah I’m loving it, it’s a really good group. Good group of players, really good group of staff.”

It’s a good environment to work in, there’s a there’s a clear vision and plan with what we’re going after, and naturally, these things take time. We’re seeing strides each week, moving forward and yeah, I’m really enjoying being here.” 

As he looked ahead to this weekends clash with his former club and city of residence, he explained: “So Newcastle itself, I moved there. I’m Yorkshire born and bread and very proud of that but I moved to the North East when I was 17, 18.”

And apart from when I’ve signed for clubs elsewhere, I’ve always lived up there. My two girls were born there, so it’s got a special place in my heart. And then as a club, I loved my time there. There’s some really good people still involved, I’ve coached a lot of the lads who are playing for them in some capacity in the past. I’m looking forward to it.” 

Fearn explained how he feels about facing the Newcastle squad: “I think they’re very open around what you expect when you go to Kingston Park. It’s very vocal, they’ll want to make it an awkward place to go.”

They like that underdog mentality, obviously that’ll be flipped this week, with them probably being the bookies favourites. They’re going to be confrontational, but they’ll make it tough and we are excited for that.”

And from what I understand that they’re going to be going strong this week, which is brilliant. It’s brilliant for northern rugby as well, it’ll be a good derby.”

After a narrow defeat to Sale Sharks in the cup last week, Fearn shared where he thinks the team are at: “As I alluded to before, it’s a new group and you start to see different people take the field.”

It’s obviously not hidden that there’s been a pretty hefty injury list, which has been great on the one front, because people who maybe thought they wouldn’t get as many minutes early doors have, and they’re clearly making progressions each week, and that’s really exciting. And we saw a glimpse of that on Friday evening.”

It was it was a great night at Castle Park, like the support was brilliant. It was a really good atmosphere, and there was definitely some stuff to to take forward into this week. There’s some stuff that we’re going to go after, and we’ve done that this week so we’ll see how we go on Sunday.” 

Falcons v Knights kicks off at 3pm on Sunday the 10th of November. You can follow live updates on X. Follow us on X here! 

Newcastle Falcons will then return to us during the second block of the Premiership cup (February). You can secure your ticket for this NOW! And, you can get both of our remaining cup home games for just £20! GET TICKETS.