Doncaster Knights were defeated 25-20 by a strong Worcester Warriors side in a tight contest at Sixways Stadium. 

The Knights put some early points on the board as Bennett kicked a penalty just minutes in, giving Doncaster a 0-3 lead. 

The lead didn’t last long however as Worcester snapped back, working their way up the pitch before a penalty allowed them to kick for a 5m line out. They showed their dominance with a solid driving maul that powered them over. 5-3.

Doncaster then showed brilliant fight when defending on the try line. Worcester’s forwards spent many phases trying to push over the line, but the Knights put in hit after hit and eventually they forced a Worcester knock on. 

Despite the Knights efforts, Worcester soon found themselves back in attack. The hosts displayed some impressive offloading to move the ball up the wing, before shifting it back inside to a supporting Hallam Chapman. Chapman finished the job, They added the conversion 12-3. 

Donny followed this up with yet another big defensive set, the forwards worked hard to win a penalty while defending Worcester’s maul just 5m out. Bennett then kicked the Knights out the 22 to relieve some pressure, but Worcester soon found themselves threatening again. 

The Knights continued to put the hits in, and managed to force another Worcester knock on just short of the line. A few phases later and Connor Edwards put in a huge shot, his tackle left the breakdown exposed and Donny were able to snatch possession.

As a result of the Knights strong defence, Worcester settled for the three points to extent their lead. 15-3. 

Donny then worked well to keep themselves in the game ahead of the break. Ryan Olowofela took a quick line out, passing the ball back inside to Veainu. Veainu showed his skill to dance around Worcester’s defence, before firing a long ball out wide to Margetts. Margetts used his pace to go over in the corner. Bennett slotted the kick from out wide. 

Half time score 15-10. 

Worcester snatched some early points in the second half as a penalty put them 18-10 up. However, Bennett used his boot again to bring Donny back within a try. 18-13. 

The Knights then continued to fight and a penalty allowed them to kick for a 5m line out. The forwards executed the set piece perfectly, throwing a long ball to the back of the line, and following it up with a dominant drive that sent East Timor Viliamu over to level the scores. Bennett slotted the extra two, putting Donny ahead with just 5 minutes remaining. 

Despite the Knights’ strong defensive efforts, Worcester proved to be the better team on the day, as they worked themselves up to the try line again with the clock in the red. Doncaster defended the rolling maul well, but a quick ball out to the back line allowed them to exploit the space and dive over the line. 

The added conversion meant the full time score was 25-20. The Knights take a losing bonus point, and turn their attention to Bedford at home next weekend. 

Secure your tickets now and support the Knights at Castle Park. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their team to travel to Worcester Warriors tomorrow. Adam Hopkinson is set to reach his 50th Doncaster Knight appearance on the day. 

Our starting front row remains unchanged with Conor Davidson and Joe Jones as the props, and Fred Davies the hooker in the middle. Captain Ben Murphy returns from injury to start in the second row alongside Morgan Jones. 

Our half-centurion Adam Hopkinson shifts to the back row, joined by Josh Bainbridge on the other flank and East Timor Viliamu at eight. 

Ben Chapman is our replacement hooker, with Logovi’i Mulipola and Cole Keith the spare front row. Ehize Ehizode is the second row on the bench, with Corey Tait proving cover in the back row. 

Our backline is completely unchanged from the squad that defeated Cornish Pirates last week. Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett are the half backs, with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts in the centre. Ryan Olowofela and Zach Kerr start on the wing, with Telusa Veainu at full back. 

Scrum half Cameron Kelemeti and fly half Morgan Bunting are named on the bench, with Aidan Cross the final back replacement. 

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ben Murphy (C), 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Adam Hopkinson 7. Josh Bainbridge, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Alex Dolly. 10. Russell Bennett, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Telusa Veainu

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Ben Chapman, 17. Logovi’i Mulipola, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Corey Tait, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Jasper McGuire, Rhys Tait, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

You can watch the game LIVE at Castle Park where we will be showing the steam, followed by the showing of England V Wales in the Six nations!

On Saturday, Castle Park will be open and showing the live streaming of Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights, followed by England V Wales (Six Nations). 

Fans are welcome to come to the ground and watch both games back to back with fellow Knights fans! 

The bar will be open from 2pm. 

Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights – 2:30pm KO

England v Wales – 4:40pm KO 

 

Doncaster Knights displayed a stellar 7 try performance to defeat Cornish Pirates 44-12 at Castle Park. 

Despite the result, the visitors got themselves on the scoresheet almost instantly as Josh King regained possession at the kick off and finished in the corner, the successful conversion gave Pirates a 0-7 lead. 

The Knights answered back almost instantly as a well held scrum meant the backs could move the ball quickly out wide for Zach Kerr to go over in the corner, 5-7.

All the Knights were working hard to put Donny back on the front foot, with Adam Hopkinson making a brilliant steal in the line out, which was then shipped out wide to Kerr. Kerr put boot to ball and gathered it well to bring the home side up to the 5m line. Just a few phases later and Pirates’ Arthur Relton was shown a yellow for a dangerous tackle, Russell Bennett slotted the three points to give Donny the edge. 8-7. 

Joe Margetts snatched his first of the day when Kerr swept up a loose ball, and popped it across to Margetts. A lovely little step opened the space for the centre to run in the try from about 22m out. Half time score 13-7. 

The Knights really stepped it up a gear in the second half as they kicked it off almost immediately with a second Zach Kerr try. The backline shipped the ball out quickly to the wing where Kerr put the perfect chip through, before chasing it well and grounding it over the line. 18-7. 

Margetts then got himself on the scoresheet again as he won the scraps in the air before stepping into space and taking off for the line, he showed brilliant pace to finish under the posts. Bennett added the extras, 25-7. 

Just 5 minutes later and he completed his hat trick with a try that began on the opposing try line. Pirates were attacking the line, and looked as though they would go on to score, but the forwards worked hard at the breakdown to turn over the ball before popping it up to Bennett. Bennett then saw a space in front of him, that allowed him to carry from the try line to the 22, he spotted Ryan Olowofela and Margetts in support, so kicked towards them. Margetts made it to the ball and kicked it further towards the line, before making an impressive pickup to dive it over. Bennett added the extras, putting the Knights 32-7 up. 

It was the forwards turn to get on the scoresheet next as our captain for the day, Fred Davies finished a superb try under the posts. The centres carried hard before firing out a quick pop pass to Davies, who ran onto the ball at great pace to finish under the posts. Bennett added the extras again, 39-7. 

Davies then scored a second, and the Knights final of the day. The forwards executed a perfect line out, before driving the maul over the line, gifting Davies his second try. 

The Pirates did manage to snatch one final try despite a huge defensive effort from the Knights today. After spending the last 5 minutes of the game attacking in the 22, the visitors eventually found the gap out wide to go over in the corner. Full time score, 44-12. 

The club would like extend a huge thank you to the 1819 fans that showed up to support the Knights, and we hope to see everyone again at our next home game in a fortnight! Secure your tickets for when we face Bedford Blues on February 14th

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their Doncaster Knights to go head to head with Cornish Pirates tomorrow. 

Our starting front row remains unchanged, with Conor Davidson at loosehead, Joe Jones at tighthead and Fred Davies at hooker. Morgan Jones and Adam Hopkinson make up the second row. 

In the back row, East Timor Viliamu and Josh Bainbridge pair ups as flankers, with Jasper McGuire keeping the number eight shirt again. 

The replacement props are our two new signings, Canadian international Cole Keith (tighthead) and Army Rugby player Douglas McGregor-Smith (loosehead). 

Ben Chapman keeps the replacement hooker spot, with Ehize Ehizode and Corey Tait the other forwards amongst the bench. 

Alex Dolly starts at scrum half to reach his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights, working with Russell Bennett at fly half. Cam Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting are named as the replacement half backs. 

Our whole backline remains unchanged, meaning Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts join up in the centres, with Zach Kerr, Ryan Olowofela and Telusa Veainu making up the back three. Aidan Cross is the utility back on the bench. 

Secure your tickets now to support the Knights tomorrow! We need you to bring the noise and be our 16th man!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies (C), 3. Joe Jones, 4. Morgan Jones, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. East Timor Viliamu 7. Josh Bainbridge, 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. Ben Chapman, 17. Douglas McGregor-Smith, 18. Cole Keith, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. Corey Tait, 21. Cameron Nordli-Kelemeti, 22. Morgan Bunting, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Andrew Turner, Josh Williams, Thom Smith, Semesa Rokoduguni, Olllie Fox, Jordan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Ben Murphy, Rhys Tait, Lewis Thiede, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont

Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that centre, Junior Nuu Nuu has signed with the club for the remainder of the season. 

Nuu Nuu has developed experience in the game across many countries and leagues, having previously played for Leeds Tykes, Harrogate, Club Municipal Floirac, Tarbes Pyrénées, Stade Olympique Chambérie and most recently Keighley Cougars. 

With experience in both Rugby League and Rugby union, he brings physicality and excitement in the way he plays, and we can’t wait ti see him in action for the Knights!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that tight head prop, Cole Keith has signed with Doncaster Knights until the end of the season. 

Keith has a total of 41 international caps for Canada (as of October 2025), making his debut against Chile in 2017. He joins the Knights most recently from the New England Freejacks, but between his time at New England and also Toronto, he made 47 starts in 79 and became a three time USMLR champion. 

We are delighted to welcome Cole Keith to the club. 

Doncaster Knights scrum-half Alex Dolly will reach a major milestone this weekend as he makes his 100th appearance for the club when Cornish Pirates visit Castle Park.

Now in his fifth season with the Knights, Dolly admits the landmark has been a long time coming, but one he is immensely proud of: “It’s nice to get it at Doncaster. It’s something I thought potentially I would’ve done earlier in the season, but with the injury it’s taken a little bit longer,” he said.

“I’m really happy. It’s a club that I really enjoy playing for and have been at now for five seasons, so it’s a massive one for me.”

The Australian reflects on his time at the club over the years and found it hard to single out just one standout moment, “there’s been a few decent ones. We’ve had some good wins over the years. Obviously the Ealing ones stick out, Sale away last year, and then probably in my first season, Jersey away, was a good one.” 

For Dolly, its not only the memories but also the people that have made his Knights journey particularly special: 

“I’ve had some really good teammates. There’s a core group of boys that have been here with me from my first game to my hundredth, which is really, really nice,” he explained.                                                                                                                                                                                                

“Some boys have moved on, same with staff as well, but I’ve been really lucky with the people I’ve met and the people who are still involved. It’d be too hard to pigeonhole it to one moment.”

Having arrived in England from Australia and spent time at Rotherham before joining Doncaster, Dolly now admits South Yorkshire feels very much like home.

“I think I’m going to have to consider it home,” he laughed. “I didn’t think I’d spend the majority of my adulthood in South Yorkshire, but it’s been five years now, so it’s probably my adopted home at the minute.”

The milestone appearance will come in front of the Knights faithful at Castle Park, Dolly explained the importance of it being at home. “It’s brilliant. That’s what I wanted it to be, at home in front of the crowd,” he said. “Hopefully we can get something going again this weekend against Pirates and turn that result the right way.”

Looking ahead to the challenge posed by Cornish Pirates, Dolly is expecting a tough but entertaining contest.

“They’ve probably not had the season they wanted either, so they’ll be coming up here really hard, trying to get five points away from home,” he said. “We know they’re big, physical, very good in the set piece, but they’ve also been moving the ball really well.”

“Their game’s evolved they’ve got threats across the park. We’ll have to be on it set-piece wise, but once the ball’s in play, we’ve got to be on it as well.”

With a century of appearances now within touching distance, Dolly will be hoping to mark the occasion in the best way possible, with a Knights victory at Castle Park.

Secure yourself a ticket now to support Dolly and the rest of the team tomorrow, kick off 2:30PM. Get tickets here!

 

Doncaster Knights Foundation are proud to have supported the creation of a brand-new specialist SEND playground at Lakeside Primary Academy, helping to provide an inclusive, safe and engaging outdoor space for pupils with additional needs across Doncaster.

The playground, located alongside the Lakeside Community Hub, was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Director of Rugby Sir Ian McGeechan OBE, Knights player Ollie Fox, and Club President Steve Lloyd, who joined pupils, staff and partners to celebrate the completion of the project.

The facility has been made possible thanks to funding from Wooden Spoon (the children’s charity of rugby) alongside support from the Doncaster Knights Foundation, reinforcing the club’s ongoing commitment to making a positive impact within the local community.

Designed specifically for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the playground includes accessible play equipment and dedicated sensory areas, creating a stimulating environment that supports physical development, confidence and social interaction. The space ensures that all children, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.

This project highlights how funds raised through the rugby community can be transformed into life-changing local facilities. For the Doncaster Knights Foundation, it represents another important step in its mission to give back to the local community. 

Stuart Watson, Chair for the Yorkshire Region of Wooden Spoon, said:
“As the children’s charity of rugby, we were delighted to support the SEND team at Lakeside Primary with the funding for the new playground. Play is an essential part of development, and we hope the children enjoy many years of fun here. Thank you to the Doncaster Knights Foundation for helping make this happen.”

James Bullock, Headteacher at Lakeside Primary Academy, added:
“This playground is more than just a place to play; it is a vital tool for development and inclusion. We are incredibly grateful to Wooden Spoon and the Doncaster Knights Foundation for their generosity. It will have a profound impact on the daily lives of our SEND pupils for many years to come.”

Doncaster Knights are delighted to support initiatives that strengthen the community and reflect the values of rugby beyond the pitch, and we look forward to continuing our work with partners to support young people across Doncaster.

This weekend, when Doncaster Knights face Cornish Pirates at Castle Park, the club will be raising money and awareness for charity partner, Andy’s Man Club. A brilliant cause that provides support for men’s mental health. 

MORE ABOUT AMC:

At Andy’s Man Club our mission is to find #THATONEMAN and help him to understand that #ITSOKAYTOTALK 👌🖤

We are a men’s suicide prevention charity who are trying to break down the stigma surrounding Men’s Mental Health. We offer a safe space for men to come along and talk – or not talk if they don’t feel like they want to just yet. We’ve had men who’ve attended who haven’t said anything for weeks which is absolutely fine – instead they listened and in turn then felt comfortable talking themselves. If you are unsure or feeling nervous around attending please know that every one of the 6,500+ attendees we have each week has had a similar kind of feeling before they walked through the doors, there will be lads to welcome you who understand what that feeling is like & they will help you to feel welcome and take you straight over to the brew & biscuit station!

There are 6 groups in Doncaster which are in Armthorpe (Armthorpe Library), Bentley (My place Youth Hub), Central (Eco Power Stadium), Conisbrough (Conisbrough Community Library), Stainforth (Stainforth Youth Hub) & Woodlands (Brodsworth Welfare Hub) but you can find your nearest group by going to www.andysmanclub.co.uk and putting your postcode into the ‘group finder’.

We are open every Monday 7pm – 9pm except bank holidays.

HOW TO DONATE: 

During Saturday’s game, Andy man club will have a table set up in the concourse where you can say hello, donate or collect further information!