European finalists, Northampton Saints are heading to Castle Park on Thursday afternoon for a joint training session with the Knights. 

This is an opportunity for both teams to replicate phases of 15v15 action as a part of preseason prep. 

Fans are invited to attend and watch this event for FREE. It will be taking place on Thursday 31st July from 12:30 to 14:30.

The Keepmoat Corner bar will be open for refreshments that can be enjoyed while watching the 25/26 squad in action for the first time. 

A great way to entertain the kids during the school holidays. 

Knights Explore Doncaster: A Day of Discovery, Dogs & Team Bonding

Today, the Doncaster Knights squad took a break from the rugby pitch to embark on a walking tour through the heart of Doncaster, aimed at building their connection with the city they proudly represent.

The team set off early, passing through the scenic village of Sprotbrough and following the route along the River Don. The first stop of the day was at The Boat Inn, where players (and a few four-legged friends) enjoyed a well-earned breakfast to refuel for the rest of the walk.

The walk concluded at the historic Conisbrough Castle, where the squad were treated to an insightful talk by local historian Penny. She shared stories about Doncaster’s rich heritage, including insights into Fort Danum, the River Don’s significance, and the city’s Roman roots.

This initiative was an opportunity for the team to better understand the community they play for, strengthen their bond as a squad, and spend time with teammates and staff. 

With dogs in tow and plenty of good humour along the way, it was a great day of team bonding and learning more about the city we’re proud to call home.

Check out our social media for more behind the scene content of the day!

A new chapter in elite sports education for the region has begun as DN Colleges Group (DNCG) and Doncaster Knights officially announce a renewed and expanded partnership aimed at developing the next generation of professional rugby talent.

The strengthened collaboration will see the continuation and enhancement of the Doncaster Knights Academy programme in conjunction with Doncaster College and University Campus Doncaster (UCDon), which has been working alongside the Championship rugby club since 2015. The initiative blends professional-level sport with academic achievement, creating a clear and accessible route for student-athletes to pursue both their sporting ambitions and educational goals.

Based here at Castle Park, the Academy offers young athletes the unique opportunity to train in a professional environment while accessing a broad range of academic courses and qualifications from diplomas to degrees at  Doncaster College’s and University Campus Doncaster’s city centre campus. The dual-track programme is specifically designed to fit around training, league and competition schedules, allowing students to balance their performance development with their studies.

“All of us here at DNCG are thrilled to renew our exciting partnership with Doncaster Knights RFC,” said Ben Owen, Vice Principal Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships. “This collaboration provides a professional platform and fantastic opportunity for our students, not just to succeed on the field, but to thrive in education and all areas of life. This truly is a partnership that Doncaster and its wider communities can be proud of.”

The Academy is staffed by current and former Knights players, coaches, and performance staff, giving student-athletes invaluable exposure to elite-level coaching and day-to-day professional routines. Participants can compete in the Association of Colleges (AoC) and British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues and tournaments, offering high-level match experience throughout the academic year.

The academy programme has seen a growing number of players progressing from the Academy to the Knights’ first team in recent years, highlighting the strength of the development pathway. Notable UCDon graduates include Back and Second Row Adam Hopkinson, Scrum Half Will Metcalfe, Prop Calvin Mitchell, and Second Row James Harrison. In addition to elite-level coaching, student-athletes receive comprehensive support, including dedicated academic tutoring, personalised strength and conditioning, and rugby-specific sports therapy.

Doncaster Knights Club President Steve Lloyd said: “The Academy has been brilliant for building the future of our club. We’re proud of the players who’ve come through the ranks and are excited about what this next phase of the partnership will bring. Together with DNCG we’re committed to giving young talent every opportunity to succeed.”

The renewed partnership underscores a long-term commitment to talent development, community engagement, and academic excellence in sport, ensuring that the Doncaster Knights Academy continues to develop as a premier destination for aspiring rugby players nationwide.

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the addition of two new coaching staff ahead of the 2025/26 season. 

Gareth Nesbit | Assistant Coach 

Gareth ‘Nes’ Nesbit joins the coaching team as an Assistant Coach, with a primary focus on assisting with the forwards. He brings a wealth of experience and an impressive coaching pedigree, having worked across a range of high-level teams including the Barbarians, Durham University, England Students, while also having National League experience.

During his time at Durham University, Gareth enjoyed significant success, playing a key role in securing two BUCS Super Rugby titles. His tenure there was instrumental in the development of several standout players, including Jamie Adamson (Waratahs)  Adam Brocklebank (Newcastle), Guy Pepper (Bath & England), and Josh Basham (Gloucester). While with England students Gareth assisted Head Coach Darren Fearn in achieving the students first win on French soil in 17 years.

With a proven track record of delivering results, Gareth’s addition to the coaching staff is a major asset for the club moving forward.

Jamie Knight | Head of Performance 

Jamie joins the club as Head of Performance, collaborating with all departments to ensure players receive optimal support and that their development is aligned and maximised throughout the season.

Jamie is an UKSCA accredited coach who holds a BSc in Sports Science, Diploma in Nutrition, MSc in Strength and Conditioning and is currently undertaking a PhD in match day strategies to improve cognitive and physical performance. 

Jamie started his coaching career with City of Swansea Aquatics club alongside time with the Ospreys and Scarlets. He then worked at Hoci Cymru (Hockey Wales), leading their physical preparation for the 2022 Commonwealth Games before moving to Durham University. There he worked with Durham University Rugby Club primarily, achieving 2 BSR titles and supporting numerous players to push on to perform at the top Level of the domestic game, in some cases the International game.

The club would like to wish a very warm welcome to both Nes and Jamie, we are looking forward to having you on board!

Doncaster Knights new recruit, Matt McNab is currently on international duty with his home country, Zimbabwe. 

On Sunday 13th, McNab played a key role in Zimbabwe’s dramatic second-half comeback, as they edged out Kenya 29–23 in a fiercely contested semi-final. The victory secures Zimbabwe a spot in the Rugby Africa Cup final, where they will face Namibia for a place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Everyone at Doncaster Knights sends their full support to Matt ahead of the final. Best of luck, Matt — we can’t wait to welcome you to Castle Park!

Doncaster Knights are thrilled to announce the signing of dynamic, Samoan number eight, East Timor Viliamu.

At just 23 years old, Viliamu brings a wealth of international experience, having played in Samoa, New Zealand, and most recently Spain, where he joins from top-tier club VRAC. During a standout season with VRAC, he helped secure the prestigious Copa del Rey title. Prior to his time in Spain, he represented the Tasman Mako in New Zealand’s domestic competition.

Known for his powerful ball-carrying and explosive pace, Viliamu adds significant depth and skill to the Knights’ back row. On the international stage, he is eligible for Samoa and has already made a strong impact with the national setup. He captained the Samoa U20 side during the Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy, scoring a try in the final to lead his team to a commanding victory over Tonga and qualification for the World Rugby U20 Trophy. He later stepped up to represent Samoa A in the Pacific Challenge, serving as vice-captain, and has also trained with Samoa’s national 7s squad.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said: 

“East is excited to be joining the club, and we are excited he is joining us. He is a very skilful player, who plays 8 predominantly but can cover across the back row. East fits the way we play, his ambition to take his game forward fits with what we’re about. At the age of 23 I am excited to see his development with us.”

Head of Recruitment Matt Harland said:

“We’re excited at the potential East has so we’re pleased he has signed with the club for this season. He’s a very determined rugby player and eager to learn which is exactly what this crew at the club is about. East will bring with him a very good skill set and his ability to get over the gain line will be a real asset for the club.”

The Knights are excited to welcome Viliamu to Castle Park and look forward to seeing his talent and leadership. 

Location: Castle Park Stadium, Doncaster
When: Match Days – 13 league games + play offs.

Doncaster Knights are looking for someone confident, fun and reliable to be our new match day mascot! 

Key Responsibilities:

• Represent Donny the Knight with spirit and enthusiasm at all home fixtures

• Interact with fans of all ages – especially younger supporters – to help create a fun and memorable match day experience

• Take part in any pre-match and half-time entertainment, community events, and photo opportunities

If you are interested in this, please contact [email protected] to discuss!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that Second Row, Josh Williams will be staying at the club another season. 

Born in Teesside, Josh is an experienced rugby player considering his age, accumulating accolades such as Under 18 and Under 20 England appearances. Josh developed his love for rugby while at Hartpury College, before signing his first professional contract with his local Premiership club, Newcastle Falcons.

Williams then put his rugby on the back-burner and moved into a career with the Royal Marines, but has represented the Royal Navy’s rugby team on numerous occasions. This includes a huge game this season, where the Navy defeated the Army for the first time in years. Josh was named in the starting team during this game and contributed to the historic win. 

In 2021, Josh Williams joined Cornish Pirates, however, his season was cut very short due to a long-term injury but came back better than ever in the 2022/23 campaign. Impressing us here, and making the switch to Doncaster for the 2024/25 season. Josh has now earned 21 caps for the Knights this season, proving to be a big part of our current success, we are looking forward to seeing how he goes next season.

 

Forwards Coach Darren Fearn said: 

“Josh staying is great for us, I have known Josh since he was 18 and he is now playing some of his best rugby, which is credit to him. He is northern lad and I know how much it means to him to represent the club.”

Blockbuster fixtures set to kick-off new Champ Rugby season!

The 2025/26 Champ Rugby season is fast approaching, with the fixtures for the newly formatted competition now confirmed, with qualification and play-off games adding aspiration and jeopardy excitement at the conclusion to the season.

Matches kick off on the weekend of 4 October, and the final regular season matches will take place on the weekend of 9 May 2026. All teams will play each other in home and away fixtures over 26 rounds. 

The upcoming season will include 14 teams, with Worcester Warriors and newly promoted Richmond joining the 12 teams from last season.

Champ Rugby will live stream games this season, with at least one fixture per round available on YouTube, increasing the visibility of the league and showcasing its rising talent, community pride and elite performances. 

The Knights will play a part in the opening game of the season as we travel to Nottingham on Friday October 3 for the first ever game of the ‘Champ Rugby’ league. 

We then host Cambridge the following week for our first home game of the season on Saturday, October 11.

View the full fixture list with KO times here!

*Please note, only rounds 1-13 have had exact dates and KO times confirmed. Rounds 14 and onwards are WEEKEND OF only. 

Doncaster Knights are thrilled to announce an away pre-season fixture against United Rugby Championship (URC) side, Edinburgh Rugby, set to take place at the Hive Stadium in Edinburgh.

This match is scheduled for Friday, 19th September at 5:00 PM, and will form part of a double-header event hosted by the Scottish club (Edinburgh will field a second team to face Ealing Trailfinders at 8pm). It promises to be a thrilling encounter and a valuable test for the Knights as we gear up for the 2025/26 season.

Facing a high-calibre opponent like Edinburgh Rugby presents a fantastic opportunity for our squad to measure themselves against top-tier competition and continue building momentum ahead of the new campaign. The fixture will also offer supporters a chance to see new signings, fresh talent, and familiar faces in action as the team continues to build. 

Stay tuned for further updates on Doncaster Knights pre-season preparations over the coming months. 

Tickets will be available through our hosts should any Doncaster fans wish to cross the boarder with us.