Doncaster Knights is supporting Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas.

This Christmas, hundreds of thousands of children will be living in poverty across the UK. Many are at risk of waking up with nothing under the tree because Christmas is a luxury their families simply can’t afford.

Mission Christmas is here to change that. With the help of Doncaster Knights supporters, they are getting ready to help Santa reach children who might receive nothing – making sure they have something special to open on Christmas morning.

Supporters can help. We are collecting presents for children up to the age of 18, on their behalf. Bring in your unwrapped donations gifts/presents to the Castle Park reception by Tuesday 16th December. Mission Christmas support children from birth to 18 but struggle the most with gifts for teenagers and babies (especially boys). 

When bringing in presents we do have a criteria to be met. Here is a short Q&A:

What sort of gifts should I buy?

We support children from birth to 18, but always struggle most with gifts for babies and teenagers (especially boys).

Do you accept food?

Unfortunately we can’t accept donations of any food. If you have food to donate, please give it to your local food bank.

Do you accept selection boxes?

Yes – these must be new and sealed and will only be given as an addition to a gift bundle.

Do you accept second-hand or used gifts?

We can’t accept any second-hand or used gifts, regardless of their condition, for health and safety reasons. We also only accept new gifts to ensure that the children we support are getting something new for Christmas – especially since it may be the only gift they receive.

Do I need to wrap the gifts?

All gifts should be unwrapped. Gifts are left unwrapped for safety reasons, and to enable us and the organisations we support to work out which age group they are suitable for.

Do I need to label suitable ages on gifts?

There’s no need to do this – we always check the age outlined on the box.

Do you accept rolls of wrapping paper?

Yes we do! We pass these on to other local charities and organisations who receive gifts so parents and carers can wrap their children’s presents.

What about presents that require batteries?

Batteries can be expensive for parents to buy, so if possible please do provide them. Please tape batteries to the side of the box so that children can play with their gift on Christmas Day.

Do you take clothes?

We do, but please try to only donate clothing that is one-size-fits-all (e.g. hats and scarves) as we aren’t given sizing information for the children we support. Please also remember that this is a gift appeal, so we would appreciate it if you chose an item of clothing suitable to give as a gift. Clothes must be new and carry all washing and safety tags. Unfortunately we can’t accept hand-made clothing.

Do you accept second-hand clothes?

We don’t accept second-hand clothes as Mission Christmas gifts but you can take them to one of our Cash for Kids recycling banks which are available in many areas. Please visit cashforkids.org.uk/recycling and enter your post code on the map to find your nearest textile recycling bank. We’ll receive money for the items which will go towards our granting programmes.

Can I take gifts bought elsewhere to other stores acting as drop-offs?

Yes, these can be taken to locations shown on this map, by 18th December.

Can I take gifts directly to your warehouse?

Yes. Mission Christmas HQs can found on the drop-off points map.

When do you need the gifts by?

As early as possible, and no later than 18th December. Our fans need to be bringing their gifts to reception by Tuesday 16th December then we will drop everything off no later than Thursday 18th December.

Where do the gifts go? How are they distributed?

Gifts are sorted by our team and volunteers. The gifts are signed for and collected by the organisation who has applied on behalf of the children they work with. The organisation then wrap and distribute the gifts to the children they are supporting.

Why do you stop taking gifts in before Christmas Eve?

We, along with the organisations we’re supporting, need a couple of days to sort and deliver the gifts to children and their families. Closing donations a few days before Christmas.

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the continued support of sponsorship from MF Hire

Doncaster Knights are thrilled to confirm that MF Hire have renewed their kit sponsorship on a 3 year deal, proudly displaying their branding visibly on the Knights home and away kits. With all of our games being live streamed this season, then this will showcase their tool and equipment hire business to an even wider audience.

MF Hire is an independent tool and equipment hire company with over 40 years of experience. They provide a wide range of tools and equipment to industry, trade customers and DIY enthusiasts for hire or sale.

As well as their kit sponsorship, MF Hire also have advertising boards at Doncaster Knights and their sister company, MFH PPE & Workwear also recently sponsored our Chinnor home game. Bringing awareness of their PPE & Workwear business to fans, sponsors and hospitality guests, Zak Poole and Chris Garcia also enjoyed hospitality in the Heineken Lounge which provided excellent networking before and after the game.

Zak Poole, Sales Executive said, “it’s important to MF Hire to support local sports and communities and with Doncaster Knights providing the professional rugby club but also their community clubs we are delighted to continue our sponsorship. The values of rugby are closely aligned to our business with team work, discipline & enthusiasm shown throughout MF Hire.”

Working closely with Tracey Owen, Head of Commercial at Doncaster Knights, Zak Poole and his colleague, Chris Garcia are also enjoying meeting the full range of sponsors at Doncaster Knights to see how they can benefit other businesses.

Tracey advised, “we are delighted that Doncaster Knights and MF Hire / MFH PPE and Workwear have renewed their sponsorship and support of the club. Entering into a 3 year deal on kit sponsorship provides the perfect long term partnership where we can work together over a longer period of time to really develop our relationship. MF Hire’s enthusiasm for the sport and their commitment to providing innovative, high-quality service make them an outstanding partners whose support strengthens the club and our community alike.”

Doncaster Knights and MF Hire look forward to building on their partnership and achieving mutual success throughout the 2025/26 season and beyond. To learn more about MF Hire and MFH PPE and Workwear, please visit their website, www.mfhire.co.uk

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities at Doncaster Knights and how this can benefit your business please contact Tracey on [email protected] or 01302 831 388.

Doncaster Phoenix’s Christmas Lunch will take place on Saturday 20th December.

Phoenix host Bradford Salem in a game kicking off at 2.15pm but before that we will be holding our Christmas Lunch in the Arms Park Suite.

Individual seats are priced at £25 a head or whole tables are available but are very limited.

To book contact Paul Curzon on 07455 627382 or Chloe Elmy on 07950 578646 to reserve your space.

Despite the result, the Knights didn’t make it easy for the reigning champions. The hosts were straight out the blocks looking to attack, but Doncaster held them out well for the first 5 minutes. Eventually, Ealing managed to open the scores as a well held scrum opened the space for them to whip it out to Tom Collins. 5-0. 

Donny worked hard to create chances to score, with big turnover at the breakdown from East Timor Viliamu putting the Knights on the front foot. 

The backline moved the ball out of the scrum quickly to Connor Edwards. Edwards made a superb carry up the field, bringing Donny from their own half to the 22. He shrugged off multiple defenders before offloading to a supporting Ollie Fox. Fox sped off to finish under the posts. Bunting added the extras. 5-7. 

Ealing made their way back into their attacking 22 but the Knights displayed another impressive defensive set, Rhys Tait managed to snatch the ball from the hosts during their attempt to drive the maul over. 

On Ealing’s next entry to the 22, they settled for the three points as their scrum gifted them a penalty. 8-7. 

They then had a more successful attempt at a driving maul when their hooker, Cornish, peeled away from the back to go over in the corner. They added the extras with the conversion. 15-7. 

Donny began to look bright in attack but a loose ball allowed Ealing a way back in. They snatched possession and carried up the wing before their forwards began to drive at the line. Donny held the forwards out but a long ball to the wing allowed them a way over the line. 20-7. 

With a few minutes left of the first 40, the Knights worked hard to stay in the game before half time. Joe Margetts is caught in traffic so opts for a little chip through, which he gathers brilliantly and goes the way. Bunting adds the conversion again. Half time score 20-14. 

Just 5 minutes into the second half, Doncaster are shown a yellow and Ealing carry the momentum into another try. Their forwards manage to drive another maul over to go 25-14 up. 

Ealing’s next score was an impressive solo effort from centre, Francis Moore, who weaved his way in and out of Doncaster to score. They added the extras. 32-14. Another scrum penalty goes their way and they snatch a final three points, 35-14. 

The Knights did not give up without a fight, and one final Donny try reflected their determination. Bennett plays a long ball out to Jordan Olowofela, who puts his footwork to use and skates over. Bennett also added the extras, leaving the full time score, 35-21. 

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to travel to the capital and face Ealing.

Connor Hancock, who has joined us on loan from Newcastle Red Bulls, comes into the starting line up as loosehead prop. He joins Joe Jones at tighthead and George Roberts at hooker. 

Our front row replacements are made up of Lewis Theide and Jasper McGuire, with Fred Davies the spare hooker. 

In the second row, Josh Williams returns from military duty to start with Morgan Jones. Ben Murphy remains number 6, with Rhys Tait at 7 and East Timor Villiamu our number eight. 

On the bench, Ehize Ehizode, Ben Chapman and Adam Hopkinson will cover the rest of the forwards pack. 

Morgan Bunting keeps the number 10 shirt this week, joining scrum half Ollie Fox as our half backs. Connor Edwards moves back into the squad to join Joe Margetts in the centres. 

After a strong performance last week, Aidan Cross is given the nod at 14 with Zach Kerr covering the other wing and Jordan Olowofela completing the back three at full back. 

Will Wootton remains the replacement 9 with Russell Bennet the final back on the bench. 

SQUAD: 1. Connor Hancock 2. George Roberts, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Josh Williams, 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Ben Murphy, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. East Timor Viliamu, 9. Ollie Fox. 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Zach Kerr, 12. Connor Edwards 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Aidan Cross, 15. Jordan Olowofela

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Jasper Mcguire, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. Ehize Ehizode 20. Ben Chapman, 21. Adam Hopkinson, 22. Will Wootton, 23. Russell Bennett.  

Unavailable for selection: Alex Dolly, Thom Smith, Josh Bainbridge, Andrew Turner, Semesa Rokoduguni, Conor Davidson, Telusa Veainu, Ryan Olowofela, Matt McNab, Logovi’i Mulipola 

DONCASTER KNIGHTS are defeated 21-24 in a tight battle against Chinnor at Castle Park. 

The Knights were the first team to get points on the board as Chinnor were penalised at the breakdown and Russell Bennett slotted the penalty for three points 3-3. Chinnor soon answered back with three points of their own when Doncaster were penalised for a dangerous tackle. 6-3. 

The front row, who were in good form this week, earned us penalty at the scrum which then allowed Bennett to put us back in the lead, and a second penalty followed which Bennett also, 9-3. 

It was the visitors who managed to get themselves over the try line first, with a huge carry from number 8, Gabriel Mann igniting the play. He offloaded to Jamie Campbell, who then had a clear gap to the line, they added the extras from the conversion. 9-10. 

Chinnor then snatched another score shorty after as they pounced on a loose ball and moved it quickly through the backline. Another successful conversion put them 9-17 up. 

Donny worked really had to stay in the game ahead of the half time whistle, with Joe Margetts turning the ball over at the breakdown to allow the Knights another attack. A few phases later, the forwards won 5 scrum penalties in a row, causing Chinnor to be shown a yellow card. On the final dominant scrum, Donny whip the ball out wide and a long pass from Aidan Cross gave Matt McNab the space to go over in the corner. A fantastic touchline conversion from Bennett left the half time score 16-17. 

Chinnor put some early points on the board at the start of the second half as they slotted a penalty for an extra three. 16-20. 

Jordan Olowofela chased a high ball and perfectly timed his tackle on his opposition player, this left Chinnor vulnerable at the breakdown and allowed Rhys Tait to win a penalty from the jackal. Bennett kicked Donny into the corner and the Knights attacked again. 

Morgan Bunting then showed a brilliantly bit of skill as he whipped super long pass out to Joe Margetts on the wing. Margetts dotted it down in the corner giving Donny the edge again. 

Unfortunately the Knights lead didn’t last long as a penalty at the breakdown gave them a chance to kick for another three. 21-23. 

The Knights spent the final 20 minutes with most of the possession, but Chinnor’s defence was relentless and with the clock in the red, the visitors managed to secure possession and kick the ball out, leaving the full time score 21-32. 

The Knights return to Castle Park at the end of the month to face Coventry. Saturday 29th November. – secure tickets here. 

Doncaster Knights can now confirm the latest on an injury to Prop, Drew Turner.

Drew sustained a hamstring injury during training earlier this week. Further assessment and imaging has shown a significant hamstring injury, requiring surgery. This will unfortunately rule Drew out unitl April, where he will work closely with the medical and performance team throughout this time period.

Everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery. 

Doncaster Knights can now provide an update on the current players unavailable for selection to to injury. 

Alex Dolly (Adductor)- expected return late January.

Thom Smith (Knee)- undergoing surgery. Expected return next season.

Drew Turner (Hamstring)- undergoing surgery. Expected return April.

Adam Hopkison (shoulder)- re integrating into training. Expected return end of Novemver

Josh Bainbridge (Heel)- Expected return end of November

                                                                                     (Sponsored by Andy and Rita Bishop)

Telusa Veianu (Hamstring)- return to be confirmed

Semesa Rokoduguni – return to be confirmed

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to face Chinnor on Friday night.

George Roberts is set to become the newest member of our Doncaster Knights centurions, claiming the number 2 shirt for his 100th appearance. Logovi’i Mulipola moves into the starting line up to start beside the hooker, with Joe Jones keeping the tight head spot. 

Our second row remains unchanged with Morgan Jones and Ehize Ehizode. Captain Ben Murphy remains in the back row with Rhys Tait on the other Flank. Jasper McGuire keeps the number eight shirt for another week. 

Fred Davies is the replacement hooker, with Lewis Thiede and Conor Davidson the spare props for the night. Forwards, East Timor Viliamu and Ben Chapman are also named amongst the replacements. 

In the back line, Russell Bennett shifts to the centres, making way for Morgan Bunting at 10. Ollie Fox remains the starting scrum half, and Joe Margetts comes into the starting team to join Bennett in the centres. 

Double trouble in the back three as both the Olowofela twins are named, Jordan at full back and Ryan the right wing. Matt McNab also comes back into the team to fill the left wing. 

Scrum half Will Wootton is named at 21, with backs Zach Kerr and Aidan Cross also named on the bench. 

SQUAD: 1. Logovi’i Mulipola 2. George Roberts, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Ehize Ehizode, 5. Morgan Jones, 6. Ben Murphy, 7. Rhys Tait, 8. Jasper McGuire, 9. Ollie Fox. 10. Morgan Bunting, 11. Matt McNab, 12. Russell Bennett 13. Joe Margetts, 14. Ryan Olowofela, 15. Jordan Olowofela

REPLACEMENTS: 16. Fred Davies, 17. Conor Davidson, 18. Lewis Thiede, 19. East Timor Viliamu, 20. Ben Chapman, 21. Will Wootton, 22. Zach Kerr, 23. Aidan Cross.  

Unavailable for selection: Alex Dolly, Thom Smith, Adam Hopkinson, Josh Bainbridge, Andrew Turner, Josh Williams (Playing for UK Forces), Semesa Rokoduguni (Playing for UK Forces), Telusa Veainu. 

Click here for a full injury update on our unavailable players. 

Doncaster Knights hooker George Roberts has been named as the starting hooker for this week’s Friday night clash with Chinnor. This weekend will mark a special milestone for him as he is set to make his 100th appearance for the club.

Now in his sixth season at Castle Park, Roberts’ achievement is a testament to his consistency, commitment, and the bond he’s forged with his teammates and the Knights’ faithful.

“Obviously it’s my sixth season at the club now, so it’s a pretty special thing,” George said, “It’s the people I’ve met at the club over the years. The times we’ve had, some of the games are really memorable to me. But no, it’s pretty special. Especially for my family who have followed me around the country.”

“Like most people in the Champ, it was only meant to be one year, see what happens,” he smiled. “But now I’m looking down the barrel of my sixth year. I clearly enjoyed something!”

Reaching this milestone is always a big moment for any player, but for Roberts, doing it with this particular group makes it even more meaningful.

“It would be pretty big with any squad I’d have achieved it with, but this one, it’s pretty special,” he said. “It’s probably the first year where more than ten people have re-signed. I think 20-something re-signed this year, so the group’s getting even tighter and hopefully we build on that into the season now.”

Looking back on his time at Castle Park, Roberts is quick to recognise the players who have shared the journey.

“Obviously there’s a few players that have stuck from the start, Ben Murphy, Connor Edwards, Conor Davidson, my housemate Rhys,” he said. “My housemates over the years, Will Holling, Billy McBryde, there’s too many to count, but I’m sure they all know it and I’m grateful for them.”

Roberts reflected on some of his highlights during his time at the club: “I can’t remember the year of doing the double over Ealing, but that was pretty big. I enjoyed that one,” he recalled. “Then off the field, some of the holidays we’ve been on, I’m sure there’s a few memories, but I won’t mention them all!”, he joked. 

Roberts’ century will come in front of the Knights’ home supporters, something he describes as hugely important.

“It’s huge,” he said. “They’ve been massive for us this season. It’s only growing as well, which is massive for us. The players feel it as well. I just hope more and more people come and make it, not just for this Friday night, but for the season going forward.”

As George Roberts prepares to pull on the Knights jersey for the 100th time, everyone at the club congratulates him on a fantastic achievement, and thanks him for his continued commitment to the badge.