Doncaster Knights face their first away fixture of their Premiership Cup Campaign on Sunday. The team travel up to Newcastle Falcons for a 3pm kick off. Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named a slightly changed squad to face the Falcons.

Zach Kerr comes back into the squad and takes the 14 shirt, to join Jordan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu in the back three. The rest of the back line remains the same with Ollie Fox and Russell Bennett as the half backs and the Connor Edwards, George Wacokecoke duo in the centres.

Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting are the half back reserves while Maliq Holden joins them as the other back replacement.

Andrew Turner and Joe Jones keep their starting shirt, but Fred Davies and George Roberts swap, with Davies starting and Roberts on the bench. Taniela Ramasibana returns from injury to join Josh Williams in the second row, meaning Thom Smith can return to the back row.

Tom Currie keeps his spot in the back row after scoring on debut last weekend. And Captain, Morgan Strong retains the 8 shirt for his eight consecutive game.

Jasper McGuire and Lewis Thiede are the replacement front row. Euan McVie and Rhys Tait make up the other forwards amongst the replacements.

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Zach Kerr. 13, George Wacokecoke. 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Jordan Olowofela. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Ollie Fox. 1, Andrew Turner. 2, Fred Davies. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Josh Williams. 5, Taniela Ramasibana. 6, Thom Smith. 7, Tom Currie. 8, Morgan Strong (C).

Replacements | 16, George Roberts. 17, Jasper McGuire. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Euan McVie. 20, Rhys Tait. 21, Alex Dolly. 22, Morgan Bunting 23, Maliq Holden.

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Semesa Rokoduguni, Cory Teague, Logovi’i Mulipola, Adam Hopkinson, Conor Davidson.

The Knights kick off at Kingston Park 3PM on SUNDAY.

 

Future Ticketing and Doncaster Knights Rugby Football Club are celebrating the club’s 150th anniversary with a new multi-year contract extension.

Future Ticketing said the renewed partnership with Doncaster Knights is further proof of the leading ticketing software provider’s strengthening presence in the English rugby union market.

Future Ticketing’s leading high-performance software and API (Application Programming Interface) empowers venues and events to sell tickets, manage business and build partner integrations. Future Ticketing’s next-generation API-first infrastructure for the ticketing world enables multiple partner integrations including payment processing, accountancy and finance, access control, CRM, data analytics, revenue optimisation and social platforms to speak to one another.

Established in Ireland in 2015, Future Ticketing partners with clients globally, selling tickets in over 170 countries across multiple venues and events including rugby union and rugby league, horse racing, football, basketball, cricket and other sports, outdoor shows, music festivals, and visitor attractions.

Castle Park, a multi-million pound development with a conference and function centre, is home to the historic Yorkshire-based club which currently plays in the RFU Championship.

Castle Park has also hosted England Under 20s and England Women’s Six Nations home fixtures, with the Knights using Future Ticketing’s leading high-performance software and API to manage ticketing and access control. 

The Knights sell season tickets, match day tickets, hospitality tickets and gift vouchers which are redeemable online and allow the Knights’ customers to treat friends, family or corporate guests to an exclusive experience at Castle Park.

The Knights have also used Future Ticketing’s flexible solution to sell tickets for events, awards evenings and concerts at their prestigious venue.

Tom Foy, Commercial Manager, Doncaster Knights, said he is excited to be continuing the partnership with Future Ticketing: “We believe this will have a positive impact on fan experience and operational efficiency here at Doncaster Knights. This partnership reflects the club’s ongoing commitment to improving ticketing processes for supporters, enhancing digital engagement, and simplifying the purchasing experience.

“In partnership with Future Ticketing, we will be bringing a streamlined ticketing process, making it easier for fans to purchase tickets online, manage their bookings, and access the stadium. The partnership also supports the club’s goals of enhancing the matchday experience, improving fan engagement through data-driven insights, and creating a more seamless and efficient system for the club’s operations.”

“Extending our partnership means our systems will continue to evolve with additional features and innovations, aiming to keep Doncaster Knights at the forefront of digital transformation in rugby ticketing. By leveraging Future Ticketing’s technology, the club ensures its ticketing system remains flexible and responsive to changing fan needs, especially in the growing era of mobile and online transactions.”

Paul Leavy, Client Success Manager, Future Ticketing, said: “As part of the contract extension, Doncaster Knights RFC will continue to benefit from Future Ticketing’s API first approach, with an API access control integration and the installation of new turnstiles. 

“Future Ticketing’s leading high-performance API will also allow the Knights to build further partner integrations and sell tickets through a new fan engagement club app.

“Future Ticketing is excited to continue to partner with the Knights to ensure they integrate their preferred partners, access more data opportunities and build an even deeper relationship with their loyal customers and fans.”

The first episode of our new podcast is out NOW!

This series gives you an insight into life at Doncaster Knights, a professional rugby team in the second tier of English rugby. With discussion topics such as past and upcoming games; behind the scenes insights from the players; and just some general rugby chit-chat. 

Many thanks to the players who appeared on this episode, Thom Smith, Andrew Turner, and Fred Davies for making this first episode such a great experience, and our host, Dominic Leach. Thank you very much to Agustín Defelitto of ArgonMediaUK for producing, editing and shooting the podcast, we look forward to working together again in the future.

If you haven’t watched it yet, you can catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. All links for these can be found below. We hope you enjoy!

Apple Podcasts– https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/doncast/id1777576357

YouTube– https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsW_ITZ2cnw

Spotify– https://open.spotify.com/episode/05mkHCyHg6grQUhHDvMNu6?si=5900f347b6a04d8c

Doncaster Knights fell short 37-43, to Sale Sharks in a close Premiership Cup battle at Castle Park. 

Despite the result going the way of the visitors, Doncaster Knights played some brilliant rugby and showed their true potential with some well-worked tries. 

The Knights snatched the first points of the game as Russell Bennett slotted an early penalty for a 3 point lead. 

However, It was the Sharks who scored the first try as they displayed a very strong driving maul, which allowed their Hooker, Tadgh McElroy to get over the line. Fly half, Tom Curtis added the extras. Shortly after, Bennett kept the points ticking for the Knights as he scored a second penalty. 

Doncaster fought hard to win the ball back on multiple occasions, including great work at the breakdown from Morgan Strong and Thom Smith. Unfortunately, McElroy pounced on a loose ball and showed strength to get over the line again for the Sharks. Curtis added the extras and shortly after, another penalty. 

The Knights were trailing 6-17 but they kept flighting. Josh Williams showed great determination when defending the driving maul to get his hands on the player at the back, causing Sale to drop the ball when they tried to ship it out. The Knights then won a scrum penalty following the knock on, which they used to exit the 22. 

Doncaster carried the momentum into the next phase of play and George Wacokecoke gave his signature sneaky offload out the back to Jordan Olowofela, who showed his pace to get over the line. Bennett slotted the conversion comfortably from the touchline. 

The try ignited a fire in Doncaster as they continued to look dangerous, Morgan Strong made serious ground with a brilliant carry out the back of a scrum.

Jordan Olowofela then gifted the assist back to George Wacokecoke as he made a break around the halfway mark before offloading to Wacokecoke, allowing the centre to go the rest of the way. Wacokecoke slid under the posts to put the Knights in front. Bennett added the extras. 

More brilliant rugby from the Knights as Archie Smeaton positioned himself brilliantly at the breakdown, resulting in Sharks errors and a Doncaster penalty.

Thom Smith proved that forwards can do it all as he put in a brilliant nudge into space. His kick bounced into Olowofela’s arms and Donny worked their way up to the 5m line. After a few phases of carries, our brand new loan player Tom Currie drove his way over the line on debut. Bennett added another two points, leaving the half time score 27-17.

Wacokecoke and Olowofela kick off the second half in style as they worked together yet again, for another brilliant score. Wacokecoke saw the gap out wide and threw a long miss-pass out to Olowofela, who finished in the corner. 

Sale Sharks then reverted back to what worked at the start as McElroy scored a hat-trick off the back of another driving maul. This seemed to give the visitors a bit of a boost as they claimed another shortly after. Obi Ene went over on the wing when the Knights left a gap out wide and Tom Curtis put in a cross-field to Ene. Curtis also scored the conversion.

Harry Davey then delivered great energy to the next play as he chased down the kick off and put in a tackle on the receiver. This allowed the Knights to turn the ball over at the breakdown.

They kept the momentum as Alex Dolly chipped the ball over for Telusa Veainu to collect and carry over the line. Gifting a well deserved try to Veainu who had spent the game showing his fantastic footwork and making countless carries. 

The Knights then found themselves defending on the try line. A slip in discipline at the rolling maul gifted seven points to Sale Sharks in the form of a penalty try, with just two minutes left of the game.

After a scrappy play, Sharks secure their win with one final try as Jos Gilmore slides over. Curtis added the extras leaving the full time score 37-43.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connectus Business Solutions partners with Doncaster Knights for the club’s 150th Anniversary season

Doncaster Knights Rugby Club is thrilled to announce a new sponsorship with Connectus Business Solutions, marking a key collaboration in the Knights’ 150th anniversary season. As a leading Business Managed Services Partner, Connectus has over two decades of experience in IT services, helping organisations across the UK streamline operations through secure, efficient, and scalable IT solutions. Known for its expertise in broadband, cyber-security, and communications, Connectus supports major clients, including TUI, WizzAir, and the Crown Commercial Service.

This season, Connectus will sponsor several key elements of the Doncaster Knights’ match day experience. Their brand will feature prominently on post protectors and the Clubhouse balcony, with the added bonus as they sponsor Head Coach, Joe Ford. As part of their partnership package, Connectus will enjoy match day hospitality and will serve as match ball sponsors for the Knights’ upcoming Premiership Cup fixture against Sale Sharks on 1st November—a fitting celebration of both local community support and cross-regional connections.

Reflecting on the partnership, Connectus CEO Roy Shelton shared, “Connectus Business Solutions has a long and proud tradition of supporting sports from grassroots to professional levels, including Bentley Village FC and Sale Sharks. We are excited about this new collaboration with Doncaster Knights and look forward to supporting the team throughout the coming season.”

Tracey Owen, Commercial & Partnerships Executive for Doncaster Knights, expressed her excitement, stating, “We are delighted to have Connectus as a new sponsorship partner and look forward to working with Roy and Chris in the years to come. The team truly appreciates Roy’s history with Castle Park and his commitment to growing Connectus locally. It’s a huge welcome back to Roy, and we are delighted he and Connectus have chosen to support the Doncaster Knights.”

The Knights are grateful to Connectus for their support and look forward to building a strong, lasting partnership with them. With shared values of community and growth, this collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting journey for both parties. If you’d like to learn more about what Connectus do, see more on their website.

For those interested in sponsorship opportunities with Doncaster Knights, please contact Tracey Owen: [email protected] or 07720 160626 to learn more about the benefits of becoming part of the Knights’ journey.

“As a rugby player, if you can’t get excited about Sale Sharks at home, then you shouldn’t really be playing”: Joe Ford on Sharks coming to Castle Park. 

Doncaster Knights face Premiership team, Sale Sharks on Friday night in the first round of the Premiership Rugby Cup. Head Coach, Joe Ford, explained how a week off has helped the team prepare. 

“Yeah look it was a five week block of games, back to back, so it was important to get away from the club and refresh. I think it’s been good for everyone, players and staff.” 

We are not where we want to be at the moment, but we are working so hard to get this right. And with a new team, it just takes time, the consistency of things.” 

You know, I”m confident, I know we will come good. We are training really well so I’m looking forward to this week.” 

In the week, the Knights announced the addition of two young Edinburgh rugby loan players who will be joining the club for the cup. Ford said: “I hope they will bring physicality, they’re obviously two forwards who are highly rated up in Scotland.”

“We messaged Edinburgh, just for a little bit of reinforcement in that area and they had Tom and Euan who are both needing game time in the next month, so it works perfectly for us. I’m excited to see what they can bring.” 

Ford looked ahead to Friday nights fixture: 

“As a rugby player, if you can’t get excited about Sale Sharks at home, then you shouldn’t really be playing. There’s been a great buzz this week.

“The crowds looking decent as well which gives the lads a lift. I think it’s really important that we use that, you know, and start the game well to get the crowd behind us and then, hopefully it’ll be a good game.”  

“I know Sale are going to send a pretty decent team so I’m looking forward to it.” 

The Head Coach explained how the Prem Cup competition is a really important learning opportunity for the club, “It’s brilliant experience, with everything the Prem Cup brings.” 

“They’re obviously full time outfits like us, it attracts bigger crowds, etcetera. It’s where, obviously, this club want’s to be at some point in the future.”

“It’s great to test ourselves, and the northern side of it is good too. Newcastle, Sale, Caldy, will be really good. I’m looking forward to testing ourselves against two of the best teams in the Premiership.” 

Tickets are limited but still on Sale – secure yours now! 

Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to take on Premiership Club, Sale Sharks on Friday Night. 

With Ben Murphy missing out due to being cited for a high tackle during the Bedford game, Morgan Strong is given the captaincy for Friday’s fixture. 

Strong is accompanied on the back row by Archie Smeaton and our brand new short term loan player, Tom Currie. Josh Williams and Thom Smith make up the second row, with Andrew Turner, George Roberts and Joe Jones in the front row. 

Our half back pairing remains the same as the last game, with Ollie Fox at 9 and Russell Bennett at 10. In the centres, George Wacokecoke returns from injury to join Connor Edwards. This means that Zach Kerr will be rested. 

Our back three also stays the same as Bedford, with Jordan Olowofela and Harry Davey on the wings, and Telusa Veainu at full back. 

Fred Davies, Jasper McGuire and Lewis Thiede are the replacement front row. Euan McVie, the second of the temporary loan pairings, will come on in the second row. 

Ben Chapman, who can play back row as well as hooker, is acting as back row replacement this week. 

Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting make up the half back replacements, with Maliq Holden as the spare back on the bench. 

Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Harry Davey. 13, George Wacokecoke. 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Jordan Olowofela. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Ollie Fox. 1, Andrew Turner. 2, George Roberts. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Josh Williams. 5, Thom Smith. 6, Tom Currie. 7, Archie Smeaton. 8, Morgan Strong (C). 

Replacements | 16, Fred Davies. 17, Jasper McGuire. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Euan McVie. 20, Ben Chapman. 21, Alex Dolly. 22, Morgan Bunting 23, Maliq Holden.

Unavailable for selection due to injury: Semesa Rokoduguni, Cory Teague, Logovi’i Mulipola, Adam Hopkinson, Conor Davidson, Taniela Ramasibana. 

Tickets for this fixture are still available for purchase! With seated tickets mainly sold out, it is guaranteed to be a fantastic atmosphere at Castle Park. 

Friday 1st Nov – 7:30 PM Kick off! 

Secure your ticket here! 

 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to extend their partnership with Doncaster-based tech company, TwentyFourIT.

TwentyFourIT is an IT support and cyber security company with bases in Doncaster and Bracknell, that provide tailor-made IT Support across South Yorkshire, the UK and even internationally. Gold Members of the Doncaster Chamber, TwentyFourIT have earned this accolade by serving more than 100 local businesses in the local region with best-in-class IT Support, Solutions and Cyber Security Services.
The IT firm have been loyal supporters and benefactors of Doncaster Knights for many seasons, providing help with our Internet and emails. This season opted for a larger deal, alongside their usual advertising, with sponsorship of the Knights training kit for the 150th anniversary year.

Last week, Director, Michael Smith, and Chief Technical Officer, Tony Houlihan popped down to Castle Park to celebrate the deal. Houlihan, who is a passionate rugby fan himself, said “rugby is not just a sport. It’s a community, a way of life, and a symbol of what we stand for – resilience, teamwork, family and dedication. These values mirror what we strive for in our business every day. Sponsoring the Knights is just one of the ways we are giving back to the community that has supported us for so long.”

Tracey Owen, Commercial and Partnership Executive, has been pivotal in negotiations in this deal, expressing how “we, as a club, are delighted that TwentyFour IT are continuing with their sponsorship at Doncaster Knights this season, in our very special 150th Anniversary Year. TwentyFour IT are our official Training & Leisurewear Sponsor this season, which sees their branding across all training kit. A highly valued sponsor at Doncaster Knights we welcome them into all home games in their Executive Box where they regularly entertain their clients and local businesses in and around Doncaster. We are thrilled that our partnership with TwentyFour IT continues to grow and thank them very much for all their ongoing support.”

This deal is proof of a great business and personal relationship between TwentyFourIT and the club, and one that has proven to stand the test of time, and everyone involved hopes that this will continue for years to come. To learn more about all offerings TwentyFourIT 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.

Doncaster Knights first away game of the cup is against Newcastle Falcons on SUNDAY, November 10th with a 3pm kickoff. 

The cost of the coach is £870 so it is important that we have as full a coach as possible to keep the maximum amount we charge at £30 per supporter. 30+ on the coach would be great! 

TO BOOK A PLACE: Message John Lowe on 079 7711 2706 !

The booking needs to be completed by noon on Monday, November 4th – You must text John Lowe before 9am on that day!

The coach will leave Buckley’s garage in Blaxton at 10.00am and, after our usual pickups in Auckley, Branton, Cantley and Armthorpe should arrive at Castle Park at around 10.30pm. From there it will proceed along Balby Road for a pick-up opposite the Winning Post before heading north. If you are leaving your car at the club please leave it on the limestone car park.

The coach will leave Newcastle for the return journey at 5.30pm

All the important information for Friday nights game!

• Doncaster Knights v Sale Sharks
• 7:30 PM Kick-Off
• Friday 1st November
• Castle Park

PLEASE NOTE: This fixture is expected to be much busier than usual, so we recommend arriving in good time to secure parking and enjoy food/drink before kick off. 

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. Season Tickets are eligible for all Premiership Cup games. 

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

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! 

Parking:

Parking is available on site, it costs £5 and operates on a first come, first serve basis. 

Parking is also available for £3 at Outwood Academy Danum and The Sportsman pub, both are a just a short walk away. 

Food and Drink: 

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

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 Northampton v Leicester on the concourse projector screen.

Club Shop:

Our club shop will be open before the game for you to purchase your Doncaster Knights shirts and merchandise. 

PHOENIX AND DEMONS FUNDRAISING 

The Doncaster Phoenix and Doncaster Demons team will be collecting for Doncaster Mind to raise money for the charity. Remember to bring some spare change to contribute to the local cause!

Tickets still on sale here!