The hosts opened the scoring early with a penalty that gave them entry into the 22. After multiple phases of strong carries, the forwards eventually drove over the line, and the successful conversion handed Coventry a 7–0 lead.

The Knights responded by winning a scrum penalty to return to attack. Sustained pressure eventually paid off when a quick pass to Rhys Tait allowed him to power over for Doncaster’s first try, narrowing the score to 7–5.

Allan Ferrie then struck twice in quick succession. The first came after a powerful break through the middle by Nayalo, who created space for Ferrie to run in unopposed. Ferrie soon added a second with a strong drive over the line, extending Coventry’s lead to 19–5.

The Knights enjoyed a period of possession and showed promising attacking intent, but were unable to convert pressure into points, with Coventry’s resolute defence and a number of individual errors proving costly.Coventry added another try before the break after a scrum penalty gave them field position in the 22, finishing with another powerful carry.

Half-time: 24–5.

Doncaster started the second half brightly, with Bunting producing an excellent penalty kick to touch to set up an attacking lineout five metres out. The forwards executed well, and Ben Chapman drove over for the try, with Bennett adding the extras to make it 24–12.

After winning the aerial contest, Coventry regained possession and moved the ball effectively before Johnson crossed the line, extending the lead to 29–12.

The Knights remained in the contest, working their way back upfield through strong forward carries. Jasper McGuire finished the move, powering over in the corner to bring the score to 34–17.

Coventry responded with two more tries. The first came from Morgan Adderly-Jones, who picked from the base of the ruck and dove over. The second followed a quick counter-attack, as Coventry capitalised on a loose ball and broke into space. Bunting looked set to make the cover tackle but was unfortunate to slip, allowing the hosts to run the length and stretch the lead to 41–17.

Doncaster had the final say, earning a losing bonus point with a late try. Russell Bennett reacted quickest to an overthrown lineout, gathering the loose ball and offloading to Connor Edwards, who powered through contact to score. Bennett added the conversion.

Full-time: 44–24.

The Knights return to home action next week as they face Hartpury RFC on Friday night. Secure your tickets now and get behind the Knights as they look to finish the season on a high.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their side to face Coventry at the Nick Newbold Stadium tomorrow.

Andrew Turner and Cole Keith start in the front row, with Fred Davies packing down at hooker. Captain Ben Murphy partners Adam Hopkinson in the second row.

The back row sees Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait on the flanks, with Viliamu at number eight.

In the backs, Morgan Bunting comes in at fly-half, while Russell Bennet provides cover at full-back. Alex Dolly starts at scrum-half, and the centre partnership remains unchanged, with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts continuing together in midfield.

Zach Kerr and Matt McNab are named on the wings.

On the bench, Ben Chapman provides cover at hooker, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Lewis Thiede named as replacement props. Morgan Jones and Jasper McGuire complete the forward replacements.

Ollie Fox is the replacement scrum-half, while Semesa Rokoduguni is set to return from injury from the bench. Aidan Cross is also included among the replacements.

SQUAD: 1. Andrew Turner,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Ben Murphy (C), 6. Josh Bainbridge 7. Rhys Tait, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Matt McNab, 15. Russell Bennett.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Morgan Jones, 20. Jasper McGuire, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Aidan Cross, 23. Semesa Rokoduguni. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Telusa Veainu, Conor Davidson, Ryan Olowofela 

Unavailable loan players: Patreece Bell, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Support the whole Doncaster Rugby community with an exciting weekend of rugby at Castle Park on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March.

Saturday kicks off with a big occasion for the club’s junior section, as Doncaster U14s take on Yarnbury U14s in the Yorkshire Cup Final. The match gets underway at 11:00am on Pitch 1, promising a fantastic showcase of young talent.

Later in the day, attention turns to the senior side as Doncaster Knights face Coventry, with coverage available via live stream. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00pm, with bar details to be confirmed.

The action continues into Sunday, with an exciting Doncaster Demons double header, as the women’s rugby continues to go from strength to strength at Castle Park. 

The 1XV host Trafford at 2:00pm on Pitch 1 and the 2XV take on Retford at 3:00pm on Pitch 4 (artificial pitch)

It’s set to be a full weekend of rugby for players, supporters, and families alike come down and show your support!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Hill House School have renewed their partnership with the club into the 2025-26 season.

Hill House School are one of the club’s long standing key partners. Their name proudly stands above the hospitality suites on the De Mulder Lloyd stand at Castle Park. This season Hill House have extended their sponsorship with includes the aforementioned premier advertising board, pitchside perimeter advertising boards and driveway advertising boards.

These banners are seen by Knights’ spectators, will feature in match photography which encompasses Knights’ social media (70,000+ followers) and external publications, further the premier advertising board is perfectly primed for extensive coverage through ClubberTV, the league’s official streaming partner, with matches streamed to a national and international audience.

Hill House School’s sponsorship provides them with a presence for their logo on the Knights’ website, www.drfc.co.uk, and it features within the match programme. The ‘Our Partners’ page is used throughout marketing collateral and also features the Hill House School logo.

Hill House School is an award-winning independent day school for children aged 3 to 18 years. Since 1912, it has provided high-quality independent education for families in Doncaster and beyond.

The school has high expectations in all areas and achieves an exceptional standard of academic success, with examination results among the very best in the country. Alongside this academic excellence, pupils benefit from outstanding opportunities in sport and a rich programme of extra-curricular activities. From competitive team sports including rugby, cricket and hockey to achievements in music, drama and art, students are encouraged to develop their talents, perform with confidence and represent the school with pride.

Mr Chris Rose, Head of Rugby at Hill House School, said:

“We are incredibly proud to continue and strengthen our partnership with Doncaster Knights. Rugby at Hill House has grown significantly in recent years, with increasing participation across all age groups and a real enthusiasm for the game throughout the school. Our pupils benefit enormously from being connected to a club with the ambition and professionalism of Doncaster Knights.

“The partnership provides inspiration and aspiration for our young players, allowing them to see first-hand the standards required to succeed in the sport.”

As well as sponsoring the club, Hill House School also played a fundamental role in the success of Rock the Season, organised by the Rotary Club of Doncaster Knights in December. The event helped to raise a significant amount for the Doncaster Knights Foundation.

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights added: “It is fantastic to extend our partnership with Hill House School who are a key partner of the club. The exposure that this sponsorship package will attract will include significant national and international reach, through ClubberTV and the Knights’ social media following, with the Knights being one of the most followed rugby union clubs in England. We look forward to working with Hill House for the remainder of this season and long into the future.”

To find out more about hospitality, sponsorship, networking events and more, contact Tracey Owen, [email protected]

Doncaster Knights Welcomes Force Contracting Services Ltd as Executive Box Holders and Kit Sponsors for 2025/26

Doncaster Knights are pleased to welcome Force Contracting as new Executive Box holders and kit sponsors for the 2025/26 season.

Following their previous hospitality partnership, Force Contracting have expanded their support for the club by taking on Executive Box 8, which they have recently refurbished. The space provides an excellent environment for hosting clients, colleagues, family, and friends, while also offering valuable networking opportunities.

Guests in the Executive Box enjoy Champ Rugby in premium comfort, including a high‑quality hospitality meal, drinks service, a private balcony with padded seating, and exclusive insight through a pre‑match player Q&A.

Force Contracting, established in 2007, are a bespoke Civil Engineering Contractor with specialist expertise in High‑Security Fencing, Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and Integrated Systems. Serving multiple sectors across the UK, they deliver projects of increasing technical complexity for Energy Utilities, Nuclear, Renewables, Highway Structures and Rail Infrastructure.

Their branding is prominently displayed at Castle Park through pitch‑side boards, generating strong visibility in‑stadium, across match photography, on social media, and to national and international audiences via Clubber TV. As kit sponsors, their logo appears on both the home and away shorts, further enhancing exposure through players on the field and replicas worn by supporters. A signed, framed pair of shorts is also showcased in their Executive Box.

Ben Layden, Managing Director at Force Contracting Services, commented:

“At Force Contracting we believe in diligence and taking full ownership of our work, principles that mirror the foundations of a strong rugby team. Bringing the right people together and giving them the best resources to thrive is central to our approach. We are gaining real value from our partnership with Doncaster Knights and look forward to seeing it continue to grow.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Force Contracting as executive box holders for the 2025-26 season. Force Contracting are also valued sponsors with their logo on the kit, advertising boards around Castle Park, and it is always a pleasure to welcome them to hospitality and sponsors and networking events.”

You can find out more about Force Contracting at https://forcecontracting.co.uk/

To find out more about hospitality, sponsorship, networking events and more, contact Tracey Owen, [email protected]

Doncaster Knights are proud to announce Russells as our grounds equipment and machinery partner.

Russells have been serving the Yorkshire farming community since 1921. Prior to this, they had been founded in 1949 by talented Blacksmith George Russell who designed and developed an award-winning range of horse drawn seed drills. Nowadays Russells encompasses ten agricultural and two groundcare depots representing more than 100 industry leading brands in the farm machinery sector.

Russells are a highly valued partner of the Knights, with an executive box located in the De Mulder Lloyd Stand and pitchside perimeter advertising boards. In exchange they have supported the Knights by providing a Kubota G231 Sit and Ride High Tip Mower, Kubota B2-261 Tractor and Wessex 1.5 tonnes Tipper Trailer, vital for the club’s grounds preparation.

The Knights are delighted to welcome Andrew Waddington and Paul Russell from Russells and their guests to Knights’ matches. Agricultural Sales Manager Andrew Waddington said, “Rugby is more than just a sport, it is about community, passion, hard work and trust, values that are similar to our own. Supporting the Knights by providing leading grounds equipment ensure the Knights have the foundations to impress in the Champ over the coming years.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial said: “We are delighted to partner with Russells, manufacturer and supplier of leading grounds equipment. Their off the field contributions have enabled Castle Park to showcase facilities that not only makes our home one of the most respected grounds in the Champ, but one that has also hosted international fixtures and a number of other fixtures this season.“

For more information on Russells visit their website here.

If you are interested in sponsorship and hospitality opportunities at Doncaster Knights, please email Tracey Owen on [email protected].

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

Alistair played for Doncaster Colts from 1983 until 1986 as a hooker in the front row. He had a season in the second team before moving to Sheffield.

His funeral details are as follows:

Monday 9th March 2026

1:30pm at St Mary’s Church, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9LY

3:00pm at Rose Hill Crematorium, Doncaster, DN4 6NE

A celebration of his life will take place at Castle Park following these events.

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.

Doncaster Knights showed resilience in front of the Castle Park crowd but were ultimately beaten 29–7 by a clinical Ealing Trailfinders side.

The visitors made a fast start and capitalised on early pressure to build a lead through number 8, Will Montgomery who drove over the line. 0-7

Despite limited possession, the Knights defended with determination, putting in some big shifts at the breakdown and forcing errors when Ealing looked threatening. 

Joe Margetts’ sharp interception halted one attack. However, Ealing’s accuracy eventually told as they scored a second try heading into the break by moving the ball out wide, 0-14. 

The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Trailfinders capitalising on Knights penalties to gain territory and scoring two more tries by shipping the ball out wide again. 0-26. They also added an additional three when the Knights were penalised for being offside. 0-29

Doncaster continued to compete fiercely, and when a penalty finally went their way, Castle Park cheered the officials.

The backline moved the ball well and an impressive break down the wing from McNab sparked an attack, carrying powerfully into the 22 before quick ball allowed Bunting to produce a pinpoint cross-field kick to Kerr, who finished well in the corner. 5-29. 

Bunting added the conversion to complete a deserved 7 points for the resilient Knights. 7-29.

The Knights now take a two week break before turning their attention to Coventry away in March. 

Darren Fearne and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Ealing Trailfinders at Castle Park on Saturday.

Logovi’i Mulipola shifts across to tighthead and partners Conor Davidson in the front row. Ben Chapman retains the number two shirt and starts at hooker for another week, with Fred Davies set to provide cover from the bench. Cole Keith, who played a stellar 80 minutes at tighthead last week, is named among the replacements alongside loosehead Andrew Turner, who is set to return from a long-term injury.

Captain Ben Murphy starts in the second row alongside Morgan Jones, while the back row also remains unchanged. East Timor Viliamu and Rhys Tait continue on the flanks, with Jasper McGuire at number eight. Adam Hopkinson is named on the bench, joined by fellow forward Josh Bainbridge.

The starting backline is once again unchanged, with Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett pulling the strings at half-back. Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts combine in the centres, while Zach Kerr, Ryan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu complete the back three.

Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting are named as the half-back replacements, with Matt McNab providing utility back cover from the bench.

Secure your ticket to this game here!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Logovi’i Mulipola, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Andrew Turner, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Adam Hopkinson, 20. Josh Bainbridge, 21. Ollie Fox 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Matt McNab. 

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Jordan Olowofela, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights are thrilled to announce that IPS, UK has extended their kit sponsorship for the 2025-26 season.

As a business deeply rooted in Doncaster, IPS, UK continue to champion local sport and community initiatives. Last season they sponsored the home and away Doncaster Knights shirt and branded with the IPS logo. This season their Park Smarter™ logo is present in this campaign, showcasing their understanding of community and the needs of their audience. Park Smarter™ is a suite of mobile payment options featuring an App, Text To Pay & Scan To Pay options.

As well as the shirts being worn by the players, visible to spectators in the ground and to the Knights’ 70,000+ social media following, the logo is also present on replica shirts sold in the club shop and worn by fans of the club at games. The introduction of live streaming of games via Clubber TV has also extended the visibility of the Park Smarter™ branding and app across the country and around the world.

IPS, UK are a fully integrated parking solutions company with smart parking technology. IPS offer Smart Parking Solutions for innovative communities. Their technology puts Smart Terminals, Data Management, and Complex Analytics at your fingertips. They strive to create an exceptional customer experience by addressing real parking needs with innovative, transformative solutions. Their latest kits accept contactless payments as standard and they are the only Parking Terminal manufacturer in the market who are a fully accredited Payment Services Provider.

Last week, Doncaster Knights Head of Commercial Tracey Owen & Sales and Marketing Officer, Rob Harker visited IPS, UK headquarters in Doncaster. Following a tour from Freddie Jones and demonstration of the machines, we enjoyed listening to an exciting update on the business.

As kit sponsor for the Knights’ their logo features on the scoreboard, on the website and in the programme. Their name is read out by the match announcer before every home game. IPS are the Knights official car park sponsor and also have a driveway banner and a mesh banner facing the pitch, providing them with excellent exposure from fans around the ground, visitors to the club and via external channels through photography and videos. IPS are entitled to four season tickets at Castle Park so can see every Knights’ match in the exciting Champ league this season. Further, they are invited to all Doncaster Knights sponsors and networking events, allowing them to liaise with other businesses and gain new connections.

Freddie Jones, UK Managing Director at IPS Group said, “We greatly value our partnership with Doncaster Knights and supporting an ambitious local team with values in supporting youth and community around the area. Much like the marks of a successful rugby team our principles at IPS are collaboration, accountability, transparency and integrity, which draws us closely to the Knights. It has been a pleasure to be a shirt sponsor and to attend Knights matches.”

Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial, added, “We are very grateful to Freddie, Sarah and the team at IPS, UK for their sponsorship this season and in previous seasons. It is always great to see representatives from IPS on a match day as part of their season tickets and to sponsorship and networking events. With their interest in our sport and the community, their values are closely aligned to us and the shirt sponsorship and banner advertising provide a fantastic opportunity to publicise their brand.”

To find out more about IPS, visit https://ipsgroupinc.co.uk/ and for Park Smarter™, visit https://parksmarter.uk/.

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