Ewan Mcvie, 19, and Tom Currie, 20, will be temporarily joining the Knights from Edinburgh Rugby ahead of the Premiership Cup campaign.
McVie, joined the Edinburgh Rugby pro-academy ahead of the 2023/24 season. The second row has featured for Scotland U20s and Heriot’s Rugby in the FOSROC super Series Sprint after playing the majority of his rugby with Edinburgh Accies.
McVie
Currie is a back row, who has also competed for Scotland u20’s and joined Edinburgh’s pro academy for the 2023/24 season. Following in brother Matt’s footsteps, Currie impressed while playing school rugby at the city’s Merchiston Castle School.
Currie
Both have recently featured in Edinburgh’s A team, including a game against Bath United. And just last weekend, had their first taste of Championship Rugby when Edinburgh A faced Ealing Trailfinders.
Doncaster Knights are very excited about the addition of two exciting young forwards as we turn our attention to the Premiership Cup.
The Premiership cup begins this Friday as we host Sale Sharks on Friday Night! Click here for tickets!
I’m pleased to share some exciting updates about your matchday experience here at Castle Park. We’ve been working hard to make the game day as enjoyable and seamless as possible, and I’m happy to announce a few new improvements for the upcoming matches.
New Pitch Perimeter Padding
Safety is a priority, and we’ve installed brand-new padding around the pitch perimeter on the East terrace and De Mulder Lloyd Stand sides. This enhancement ensures not only the safety of our players but also provides a cleaner look to the field. This work has been completed in-line with the RFU minimum standards regarding the pitch perimeter and its recommended distance from the touchlines.
Electronic Turnstiles for Quick Entry
We know you’re eager to get inside and support the Knights, so we’ve introduced new electronic turnstiles to streamline entry. Expect a faster, more efficient way into the ground so you can focus on cheering on the team. We will be sharing videos across our social media channels next week ahead of our game vs Sale Sharks of what you can expect.
Improved Service at the Knights Fayre
We’ve taken note of your feedback and have worked to speed up service at the Knights Fayre. We will have a 2nd till in operation going forward, so whether it’s food or soft drinks, we’re committed to getting you what you need more quickly, so you spend less time in line and more time enjoying the game.
Enhanced Music Experience
To keep the energy high, we’re adding a bit of extra spirit to long match stoppages with more tailored music selections. We hope this creates a vibrant atmosphere for you to enjoy and we’ve made an extra effort to reduce the volume specifically on the east terrace after recent feedback from supporters.
Thank you for your continued support of the Doncaster Knights. I hope to see many of you for what will be a great night against Sale Sharks here next Friday 1st November 2024 in Round 1 of the Premiership Cup.
Knights Captain, Ben Murphy will miss at least 2 of the next 3 games as we begin our Premiership Cup campaign.
Murphy was cited for dangerous tackling, contrary to World Rugby Law 9.13, during a game against Bedford Blues on Saturday 19th October.
Ben has admitted the charge and received a three-match ban which will be reduced to two if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme (CIP).
Matches Ben will miss:
01/11/2024 v Sale Sharks (Premiership Rugby Cup)
10/11/2024 v Newcastle Falcons (Premiership Rugby Cup)
23/11/2024 v Caldy (subject to completion of CIP)
In responding to the charge, Ben accepted the charge and said,
“I was unaware of any head contact at the time, I felt I had made contact with Bedford 6’s shoulder and the fact he played on led me to believe he was physically fine. Upon viewing the video clip I can see there is head contact which has upset me as I pride myself on being a clean and fair player. This is simply down to poor technique which I will now work on in training. Having been made aware of the incident and viewing the clip I have made contact with Bedford to apologise and check on their player’s wellbeing.”
Ben could be available for selection for our cup fixture away to Caldy on Saturday 23rd November, subject to completion of the coaching intervention programme.
Doncaster Knights are proud to announce the first year of sponsorship with insurance company, Stonebridge Corporate.
Stonebridge Corporate is an independent insurance broker, based in Surrey now with a base in Doncaster, that provides flexible and straightforward insurance solutions to medium to large sized businesses, underpinned by exceptional personal service. They pride themselves on their independence, which allows them to offer clients the best possible and impartial advice. They have the experience and expertise to provide insurance solutions and risk advice across many sectors, with particular strengths in construction, food and beverage, manufacturing, haulage and technology. For their first season with the club, Stonebridge put pen to paper with a kit sponsorship on shoulders of our 150th Anniversary kit.
George Rowley, Sales Director, shared in his excitement over the agreement, stating that he and Stonebridge “are delighted to be one of the shirt sponsors for Doncaster Knights this season on a memorable year, celebrating their 150th anniversary. After recently opening our new Northern office in Bawtry, Doncaster we were delighted for the opportunity to be part of the Doncaster Knights family and hope to connect and meet with as many local businesses and fans at numerous games throughout the season. Albeit, this is our first season, we certainly see the longevity in the partnership and look forward to many successful years together on and off the field. Our package includes the shirt sponsorship and a fantastic signed framed shirt for our office. We shall definitely be taking advantage of the hospitality at times during the season and look forward to showcasing the superb facilities at Castle Park to our clients, family and friends.”
Tracey Owen, Sales Executive, expressed her joy in the partnership saying “the club are delighted to partner with Stonebridge Corporate Insurance Brokers this season who are an independent insurance broker having recently opened offices in Bawtry. With their interest in rugby and the local community their shirt sponsorship was the perfect way to showcase their brand locally and we have looking forward to welcoming them to games to entertain their clients.”
This deal is the start of a bright future for both the Knights and Stonebridge Corporate, with a sponsorship that will definitely stand the test of time with brilliant new business opportunities and a new collection of fans at Castle Park. To learn more about all that Stonebridge have to offer, you can read more on their website.
To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388.
Bury St Edmunds make it three wins on the bounce after they defeated Worthing Raiders 32-29 on Saturday.
The team consisted of three Doncaster Knights loanees, Will Metcalfe, who started on the wing and moved to scrum half during the second half. Second row, James Harrison and prop, Calvin Mitchell.
Metcalfe who has now scored 6 tries in 7 games, claimed another for Bury. Metcalfe’s try followed a series of back and forth kicks before he scored off a counter attack.
James Harrison
Head Coach, Jacob Ford, spoke about the relationship between Bury St Edmunds and Doncaster Knights in a recent episode of ‘The National League Rugby Show’.
Ford said: “The Donny lads have been brilliant, they’re very humble they are keen to get better. They fit into the group massively in terms of the cultural side of it and the off field stuff too. The travel just shows their commitment to it, and that they want to see Bury succeed and do the best for the club.”
“But also, on the field they are 100% committed, when you get a 100% committed player they’re the ones you want to work with.”
“They’ve added a different dynamic to the group that we have probably not had before which is great because we can start to develop our game and do things a little bit differently. But ultimately, they’re a high standard of player, they’re hungry and they want to get better.”
Bury St Edmunds have shot up to 6th in the National League Two East table and face second in the league, Guernsey on Saturday 26th Oct.
Doncaster Knights are pleased to announce the addition of a new sponsorship with Fenwood Estates.
Fenwood Estates Limited is an established development company based in Doncaster, founded in 1977 as a Sole Trader under the name of ‘Fennell Builders’, the company has grown from strength to strength and matured from a small building contractor to a successful land and development company. As an LABC award-winning land and development company, Fenwood understand the things that are important to our local community, such as reducing our environmental impact and making a positive social difference in the areas where they operate. Fenwood Estates main committment to the Knights this season was a spot on the 150th Anniversary kit, appearing on the side of the shorts.
Fenwood Estates Managing Director, Melissa Kroger together with Teresa Allison, Commercial Manager, visited Castle Park and Melissa shared her enthusiasm in the partnership saying: “To be showcasing the Fenwood Estates branding to local fans, supporters and the business community is perfect for Fenwood Estates and at the forefront of our ethos of being an important part of the local community. Together with the sponsorship of the Doncaster Knights recyclable cups we feel the partnership with them in their 150th Anniversary Year is absolutely perfect and will build success both on and off the pitch and we will be right behind the team for the season and beyond with the hope of branching out to fans and local businesses.”
Tracey Owen, Sales Executive at Doncaster Knights, stated her delight in the partnership saying “it has been a pleasure working with Melissa and the rest of the team at Fenwood Estates. As a club, we value the support of local businesses for sponsorship and are delighted to welcome Fenwood as sponsors and for hospitality throughout the season. We hope that this relationship will grow and be a long term partnership”
Both parties are very much looking forward to the season ahead, both in a business and sporting sense. Whether you are looking for a house move, new house or your first house, Fenwood Estates are there to help. To learn more about what Fenwood Estates has to offer, see more on their website.
To learn more about the sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights, contact Tracey Owen via email: [email protected]; or via telephone 01302 831388.
The Knights were unable to silence a lively Goldington Road, despite Morgan Strong scoring twice for the visitors.
Doncaster began the game with some good phases of attack, as Thom Smith and Archie Smeaton made notably strong carries. However, Doncaster’s scrum meant that Bedford regained possession in the form of a penalty and worked their way to the try line.
The Blues scored the first try of the game as they shipped the ball out the scrum and moved it well between the back-line. Winger, Archie Garside carried it over the line and the conversion was also successful.
At the restart, the Knights applied good pressure in defence, forcing a knock-on, but another scrum penalty goes Bedford’s way and they gained momentum to score another.
Their second try was a well placed grubber kick up the wing, which was chased well and grounded over the line. The conversion was missed, meaning the hosts had a 12-0 lead.
Bedford overthrew a line out and Jasper McGuire reacted well to catch the ball and carry it a handful of metres. The Knights continued to build but fell victim to the famous downhill at Goldington Road when a cross field kick rolled past the dead ball line.
Doncaster’s scrum improved at a crucial moment when a scrum penalty on the 5m line allowed them to exit the 22 and attack again.
They keep the momentum, and eventually Morgan Strong displayed brilliant determination to shake off a Bedford player and carry the ball under the posts. Russell Bennett added the extras.
Morgan Strong
The hosts answered back quickly, however some good phases of Doncaster defending meant they only took three points when they struggled to get over the line.
Russell Bennett then slotted a penalty to close the scores and keep Doncaster in the game heading into half time.
Half time score 15-10.
At the start of the second half, Bennett kept the points ticking over with another penalty. The Knights maintained most of the possession for the first 10 minutes of the second half. Bennett, Zach Kerr and Telusa Veainu moved the ball between them really well to gain a lot of ground up the wing. But shorty after, we are penalised for crossing.
More positives came from Doncaster as Morgan Strong turned the ball over at the breakdown. However, the turning point of the game followed shortly. Matt Worley was quick off the line to intercept a Donny pass and score for Bedford, killing the momentum the Knights had built. They added the extra two for the conversion.
Bedford claimed another as a cross field kick bounces nicely into the arms of the winger, and another conversion extended their lead.
Ben Murphy applied good pressure as he charged down Bedford’s attempt to exit the 5m line. When Doncaster regained possession, Veainu threw a sly offload, mid tackle, to Strong. Strong then worked his magic again, bumping off a Bedford player and diving over the whitewash. Alex Dolly narrowly missed the touchline conversion.
The Knights kept fighting, but after holding out a Bedford maul once, they manage to ground the ball in the second attempt and claim one final try.
Full Time score, 34-18.
The Knights will now turn their focus to the Premiership Cup when they host Sale Sharks on the opening night. You can buy tickets for this fixture now!
Telusa Veainu set to make first appearance for Doncaster Knights amongst a changed squad to last week.
With Veainu available and Russell Bennett returning from injury, the back line varies from the London Scottish fixture. Ollie Fox and Russell Bennett are the starting half backs with Alex Dolly and Morgan Bunting as their replacements.
Zach Kerr moves back into the centres to join Connor Edwards. Veainu starts at full back, and two-time hat-trick scorer Jordan Olowofela is still in the team, but on the wing. Harry Davey earns his first start as the other winger.
Will Parry, a centre who is on loan to us from bath, is set to make his debut off the bench.
Jasper McGuire and Joe Jones are the duo of props, with Fred Davies in the middle as the hooker. Thom Smith moves back to the second row to join Captain Ben Murphy. Archie Smeaton moves back into the starting back row, with Rhys Tait and Morgan Strong, who have kept their starting shirt all season.
The replacement front row consists of Andrew Turner and Lewis Thiede, with George Roberts the spare hooker. Josh Williams and Arthur Green are the remaining forwards on the bench.
Starting XV | 15, Telusa Veainu. 14, Harry Davey. 13, Zach Kerr. 12, Connor Edwards. 11, Jordan Olowofela. 10, Russell Bennett. 9, Ollie Fox. 1, Jasper McGuire. 2, Fred Davies. 3, Joe Jones. 4, Ben Murphy (C). 5, Thom Smith. 6, Archie Smeaton. 7, Rhys Tait. 8, Morgan Strong.
Replacements | 16, George Roberts. 17, Andrew Turner. 18, Lewis Thiede. 19, Josh Williams 20, Arthur Green. 21, Alex Dolly. 22, Morgan Bunting 23, Will Parry.
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Semesa Rokoduguni, Cory Teague, Logovi’i Mulipola, Adam Hopkinson, Conor Davidson, George Wacokecoke.
New Knight this season, Zach Kerr discusses how the team have been preparing for Bedford Away off the back of a home defeat.
Kerr has joined Doncaster Knights from Premiership club Newcastle Falcons. Kerr explained how he is finding his time at Doncaster so far:
“As an environment, it’s been brilliant. From day one of pre season, the coaches, Fordy, Daz, Geech and Tys have laid down what we want to try to achieve and the way we want to play. And that’s been a pretty consistent theme throughout all of pre-season and the first three games as well.”
Doncaster’s other new centre, George Wacokecoke, has also moved to the club from Newcastle Falcons. Kerr said, “It’s been pretty good to have another familiar face at the club. On my first day, it was also his first day as well so that was good. I get to play a few games with him too so that’s been great.”
The centre reflected on the team’s disappointing home defeat at the weekend:
“If we are being honest, it was a pretty unacceptable performance from ourselves, especially after the week before against Ealing.”
“in terms of what went wrong, we never really fired a shot attacking wise. We got in good positions, but we never really, capitalised. We got into their 22, 11 times and didn’t get any points.”
Kerr explained that there were some positive take-aways from the game, “on a positive note, the defence was pretty good throughout. I know we conceded two tries, but as a general theme it was pretty good.”
The Knights travel down to Bedford Blues this weekend in the hopes they will continue to be unbeaten when on the road.
Kerr said: “We have had a couple of tough sessions on Tuesday and today to get ready. Tuesday was particularly tough, you know, we spoke about things that have gone wrong and we try to implement them in training. So yeah, we have been working really hard.
Despite Bedford being a difficult place to go and win at, Kerr suggested “We are pretty optimistic. You know, we’ve watched a couple of Bedford’s, games. We know the way they play and we think we can implement our game plan on them pretty well.”
The Knights game against Bedford will kick off at 3pm and you can follow along on X for live updates. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW
Doncaster are then back in town on Friday November 1st to face premiership club Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup. You can secure tickets here!
Doncaster Knights are hosting a Jason Robinson Foundation Rugby Camp at Castle Park from the 30th of October to the 1st of November.
30th October – 1st November
9:30am – 2:30pm
Castle Park
Boys and Girls age 7-15 welcome!
£30 per day or £75 for 3 days.
JFR foundation aim to open the field of opportunity to children and young people so they can realise their full potential.
It is a non-profit organisation that connects children and young people with opportunities to transform their lives by providing training, events, life skills and mentors.
Book your child on to experience quality coaching, rugby games and advanced skill development!
