Doncaster Knights can confirm the following players will leave the club at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Lewis Thiede – 107 Appearances 

Connor Edwards – 102 Appearances 

Conor Davidson – 88 Appearances

Joe Margetts – 85 Appearances 

Rhys Tait – 70 Appearances

Ehize Ehizode – 68 Appearances

Russell Bennett – 59 Appearances 

Thom Smith – 51 Appearances 

Ben Chapman – 39 Appearances 

Josh Williams – 25 Appearances

Matt McNab – 14 Appearances 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Nottingham in the final game of the 2025/26 season.

There are changes in the front row, with Conor Davidson starting at loosehead and Lewis Thiede coming in at tighthead. Ben Chapman retains the starting hooker shirt.

There is plenty of strength among the replacement front row, with Cole Keith and Logovi’i Mulipola set to make an impact from the bench alongside hooker Corey Tait.

In the second row, captain Ben Murphy returns to partner Morgan Jones. Jasper McGuire, Adam Hopkinson and Viliamu East Timor make up the back row.

Ehize Ehizode is named among the replacements alongside guest player Max Allen-Paver.

At half-back, Alex Dolly starts alongside Morgan Bunting, while Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts form the centre partnership. The back three sees Zach Kerr and Aidan Cross on the wings, with Russell Bennett selected at full-back.

Ollie Fox, Semesa Rokoduguni and Matt McNab complete the replacements as the reserve backs.

Secure your tickets now and support the team in there final game of the season.

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Lewis Thiede, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Jasper McGuire 7. Adam Hopkinson, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Aidan Cross, 15. Russell Bennett

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Corey Tait, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Cole Keith 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Max Allan-Paver, 21. Ollie Fox,  22. Semesa Rokoduguni, 23. Matt McNab

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Telusa Veainu, Jordan Olowofela, Ryan Olowofela, Rhys Tait, Josh Bainbridge 

Doncaster Knights can confirm that Fred Davies will leave the club a week earlier than planned to provide short-term cover for Bristol Bears this weekend.

The hooker, who was already set to depart at the end of the season, will not be available for selection for the Knights in the final fixture as he joins up with the West country club this week. 

Davies leaves the club after two seasons, having made 41 appearances and playing a key role within the squad during his time at Castle Park.

Everyone at Doncaster Knights would like to thank Fred for his commitment and contributions over the past two years, and we wish him all the best for his time with Bristol and whatever comes next in his career.

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Zach Kerr has re-signed with the club in what is a major boost ahead of next season.

Kerr has been a standout performer throughout this campaign, finishing as the club’s top try scorer and establishing himself as one of the most consistent players in the squad. His versatility across the backline, featuring both on the wing and at centre, has made him a key asset for the Knights.

Remarkably, Kerr is the only player to have featured in every single game this season, amassing an impressive 1,820 minutes. His durability and consistency have been unmatched, following on from his debut season where he missed just three games.

Now a core part of the squad, Kerr continues to develop week on week. Having reached the milestone of 50 caps at the weekend, he is likely one of the quickest players in the club’s history to reach that landmark.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Zach has been one of the standout players this season, whether on the wing or at centre. Everyone sees how competitive and hard-working he is, but what often gets overlooked is his ability to finish opportunities and his understanding of the game defensively.

“He always wants to improve and is often the last one out, speaking with Geech about the game and where he can get better. That attitude is a big reason why he’s developed the way he has.”

“I can’t speak highly enough of him as both a player and a person.”

Kerr also shared his thoughts on extending his stay with the Knights:

“There are some exceptional people at this club who have shown faith in me and loyalty towards me. Ultimately, my job is to help Doncaster Knights win games of rugby and I am so driven to do this, and hopefully repay some of that faith and loyalty.”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Telusa Veainu has re-signed with the club for his third season.

Arguably the most decorated player in the current squad, Veainu continues to showcase his class with quick feet and electric pace, remaining a constant attacking threat for the Knights.

Veainu began his rugby career in New Zealand, progressing through the ranks with Canterbury before representing New Zealand U20s at the 2010 World Championship. He enjoyed a standout tournament, scoring five tries, including a hat-trick in the final. He went on to break into the Canterbury first team, making 34 appearances and scoring 21 tries.

In 2015, he made the move to England to join Leicester Tigers, where he quickly established himself as one of the Premiership’s most exciting players. Over a five-year spell, he made 80 appearances and scored 32 tries, becoming a fan favourite and helping the club lift the Anglo-Welsh Cup during the 2016/17 season.

On the international stage, Veainu has represented Tonga, earning selection for both the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups. Across his international career, he has earned 12 caps and scored eight tries, finishing as Tonga’s top try scorer at the 2019 tournament. Ahead of the 2020/21 season, Veainu moved to France to join Stade Français, where he remained a consistent performer, scoring 10 tries across three seasons in the capital.

He later returned to the north of England with Sale Sharks before joining Doncaster Knights. Since arriving at the club, Veainu has made 42 appearances and is set to reach the milestone of 50 next season.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Telusa’s talent is obvious to anyone who’s seen him play. What people don’t always see is the leadership and standards he brings to an environment. He’s a key driver of our environment and a brilliant example for our younger players. I am delighted he’s staying with us.”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that scrum-half Ollie Fox has re-signed with the club for next season.

Fox has been integral to the Knights this campaign, showing significant development from last season and continuing to grow into a key figure within the squad. His tempo, quick thinking, and game understanding have made him a crucial part of the team’s performances.

A Yorkshireman, Fox joined the Yorkshire Carnegie rugby academy at the age of 14. He went on to make his Championship debut for the Leeds-based side during the 2016/17 season.

His performances earned him a move to Premiership outfit Bath ahead of the 2019/20 campaign, where he made 21 first-team appearances across three seasons at The Rec. During this time, he also represented England at Under-19 and Under-20 level, featuring in both the U20s Six Nations and U20s World Cup.

Fox joined Ealing Trailfinders for the 2022/23 season before returning to Yorkshire and joining the Knights. This season, he reached the milestone of 50 appearances for Doncaster Knights, further cementing his place as a key member of the squad.

Head Coach Darren Fearn:

“Foxy’s taken a big step this year as a player and leader. He brings real tempo through how he sees the game, and we saw that on Saturday.

His kicking game has become a real strength of his, credit to the work with Fordy. Off the field, he’s a big presence in the group and does a lot in schools within the community. We’re all delighted to have foxy with us again next season.”

Fox said: 

“I’m really happy to be staying at Doncaster. Very grateful to be able to continue my career in Yorkshire. Looking forward to what’s to come.”

Doncaster Knights scored five tries on the road to secure a five-point victory over Caldy.

It was East Timor Viliamu who opened the scoring for the Knights. After a cagey first 10 minutes, Doncaster finally broke through. Ben Chapman pounced on an overthrown lineout before moving the ball quickly. Strong carries from Connor Edwards, Viliamu, and Rhys Tait propelled Donny to the 5m line, where Viliamu powered over to score. 0–5.

Edwards then relieved pressure following a long defensive set, winning a turnover at the breakdown to allow Doncaster to exit their 22 and build another attack.

The centre soon added a try of his own. A slick backline move saw the ball shipped out to Zach Kerr on the wing, who drew in the defender before offloading to Fox. Fox quickly moved it on to Edwards, who finished under the posts. Bunting added the extras. 0–12.

Fox then got on the scoresheet himself. He combined well with Jasper McGuire, who ran a superb line at pace to slice through Caldy’s defence. With Fox in support, McGuire returned the pass, allowing the scrum-half to cross the line. 0–17.

Fox continued to influence the game, assisting another try by picking the ball from the base of a breakdown and carrying around the corner before passing to Hopkinson, who powered over. Bunting converted. 0–24.

Caldy opened the scoring in the second half with quick reactions to a loose ball. They chipped ahead, regathered, and moved it through the hands to create space and score. The conversion was added. 7–24.

Doncaster responded with a Bunting penalty, followed by a superb try from Jordan Olowofela. Cross gathered the ball and offloaded to Olowofela, who showed great pace to finish from just over halfway. Bunting added the extras. 7–34.

The hosts hit back with a second try, driving their maul over in the corner. 12–34.

The Knights worked hard to maintain control, with Kerr producing an excellent 50:22 to relieve pressure.

Caldy claimed their final try by spreading the ball wide and advancing down the wing before an inside pass to a replacement hooker allowed them to finish in the corner. 17–34.

A late penalty from Russell Bennett ensured Doncaster had the final say of the match.

Full-time score: 17–37.

The Knights now turn their attention to the remaining game of the season. We face Nottingham at Castle Park on Saturday 9th May. Secure your tickets here.

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Caldy on the road this weekend.

In the front row, props Logovi’i Mulipola and Cole Keith are named either side of hooker Ben Chapman. The second row features Adam Hopkinson and Morgan Jones, with regular captain Ben Murphy absent following the birth of his son.

In the back row, Rhys Tait and Josh Bainbridge start on the flanks, with East Timor Viliamu at number eight.

The replacement front row sees Corey Tait named at hooker, alongside props Conor Davidson and Lewis Thiede. Ehize Ehizode and Jasper McGuire are the other forwards on the bench.

Ollie Fox starts at scrum-half, with Morgan Bunting pulling the strings at fly-half. The centre partnership is this week’s captain, Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts, while last week’s hat-trick scorer Zach Kerr is named on the wing. Kerr is set to reach his 50th Doncaster Knights appearance this weekend. Ryan Olowofela returns to start at full-back, with Aidan Cross on the opposite wing.

Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett provide half-back cover on the bench, with Jordan Olowofela the remaining replacement.

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola,  2. Ben Chapman, 3. Cole Keith, 4. Adam Hopkinson, 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Rhys Tait 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Ollie Fox, 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards (C) 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Aidan Cross, 15. Ryan Olowofela.

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Corey Tait, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Jasper McGuire, 21. Alex Dolly,  22. Russell Bennett, 23. Jordan Olowofela.  

Unavailable for selection: Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Telusa Veainu, Semesa Rokoduguni (Army duty), Ben Murphy (Paternity leave).

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

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Josh Bainbridge has re-signed with the club for next season.

Bainbridge has been a huge addition to the squad this campaign, bringing a fearless physical edge and establishing himself as one of the side’s most reliable defenders. Alongside his on-field performances, he has also proven to be a strong leader within the group — a supportive and encouraging teammate who plays a big role in driving standards and boosting morale.

Yorkshire-born, Bainbridge was raised in the North East and played his junior rugby with Middlesbrough and Guisborough, before progressing to Yorkshire Carnegie. During his time there, he earned international honours with England at Under-17s, Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s level.

His professional career has seen him represent Leeds, Jersey and Coventry, making 45 appearances for the latter before stepping up to the Premiership. He joined Newcastle Falcons in the summer of 2023, making eight competitive appearances before linking up with Doncaster Knights.

Despite an injury-interrupted spell, Bainbridge has made 19 appearances for the Knights so far and continues to be a key part of the squad heading into next season.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said: 

“We really missed Bambi at periods this season. His experience, the focus he brings to performing week in, week out, and the standards he drives will be huge for the environment next season. He has intent in everything he does. Bambi is another Yorkshireman who takes real pride in representing the club.”

Josh Bainbridge said: 

“I’m thrilled to be staying at Castle Park. I feel our new model, the club direction & exciting signings will propel the club in a positive direction. Let’s finish this season on a high first.” 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that prop Logovi’i Mulipola has re-signed with the club for next season.

Able to play on both sides of the scrum, Mulipola is one of the most senior members of the squad and continues to bring a huge amount of experience to the group. His leadership and knowledge are invaluable, particularly in mentoring the club’s younger front-row players.

Beginning his career in his home country of Samoa, Mulipola earned his first international cap in 2009. He went on to represent Samoa more than 30 times and featured in two Rugby World Cups.

In 2011, Mulipola moved to England to join Leicester Tigers, where he enjoyed a long and successful spell. He made more than 130 appearances for the club and was part of the squads that won the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2012 and the Premiership title in 2013.

Injuries impacted the latter stages of his Leicester career, but he remained a constant leader within the squad, providing experience, energy, and guidance to younger players coming through the system.

In 2018, he joined fellow Premiership side Newcastle Falcons, where he spent five seasons and made 63 appearances. During his time in the North East, he also had a loan spell with Gloucester Rugby during an injury crisis.

Following his time with Newcastle, Mulipola joined Montpellier Hérault as a Rugby World Cup Joker, providing short-term cover during the tournament, before later signing for Saracens until the end of the 2024 season as injury cover.

He has been with Doncaster Knights ever since and currently sits on 41 appearances for the club, with the milestone of 50 set firmly in his sights next season.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“Logo offers so much for us in the set piece, not only through his actions on the field but also through what he brings to the group off it. He has been working with the academy front row, which is important for the club. We’ve seen in recent weeks Logo’s impact around the field.”

“The lazy narrative is that he’s getting on and is only good for the scrum and maul, however he put that to bed last week being named in Team of the Week after producing three turnovers and a line break. Needless to say, we’re delighted Logo will be with us for another season.”

Mulipola said: 

“Grateful for another opportunity, all Glory to God. Here we go again Donny! Lea lei kaikai a time.”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the signing of hooker Nathan Langdon, who joins the club from Sale FC.

Langdon arrives with valuable experience across a number of levels of the game despite still being only 24 years old. During the 2024/25 season, he spent time with Premiership side Northampton Saints, where he had the opportunity to learn from top-level hookers, including his older brother and former Doncaster Knights player Curtis Langdon. He has also featured for Sale Sharks.

Earlier in his career, Langdon previously represented Loughborough Students and BUCS Super Rugby while studying for a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. During that period, he also made his Premiership Rugby Cup debut in 2022 while on loan with Leicester Tigers.

Head Coach Darren Fearn said:

“It’s brilliant to welcome Nathan to the club. For a 24 year old, he’s already got some good experience under his belt with the likes of Northampton and Sale.

“Nathan really fits the way we want to play and has worked previously with Fordy, who only has good things to say about him. He’s had a good season this year, and having spoken to people I trust within the game, they’ve spoken highly of him both as a bloke and as a player.”

Langdon also shared his excitement about joining the Knights:

“I’m really excited to get going with Doncaster. It’s a club with lots of history, with exciting things to come and I’m looking forward to being a part of the journey.” 

“I can’t wait to meet the lads and rip in to the new season.”