The Doncaster Knights’ pre-season is in full swing, and it’s been anything but easy. As we enter week five, and the new campaign is fast approaching, the squad have thrown themselves into an intense programme designed to sharpen both fitness and skill. 

Training blocks have balanced the best of both worlds: relentless conditioning alongside focused rugby work. From day one, the boys have been straight into shape work, learning and refining calls, while also being pushed to their limits physically.

Some days have been especially brutal. A recent highlight… or lowlight, depending on who you ask, saw a guest coach put the team through a 90-minute HYROX session, testing their endurance, grit, and mental toughness. Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sparky, has also been keeping things varied with plenty of off-feet conditioning on the rowers, ski-ergs, and air bikes.  As well as “top-ups” to ensure the running metres keep ticking over.

 

There’s also been the chance to measure themselves against the elite, with Premiership side Northampton Saints visiting for a joint training session, giving the Knights the opportunity to test their skills, intensity, and decision-making against one of the top teams in the country.

The Knights have been making time to strengthen bonds off the field and connect with the local community. A big team walk and a day out at Hatfield Water Park provided the perfect setting for camaraderie, laughter, and a few competitive moments away from the training pitch.

With the season looming, the Knights are building not just fitness and sharpness, but unity and resilience. We can’t wait to have all the fans back at Castle Park for our preseason clash with Edinburgh Rugby. 

This game is included in the season ticket, so be sure to secure yours now to get ALL the games at the best value! 

SEASON TICKETS

 

Doncaster Knights are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former season ticket holder, Tim Wood.

Wood was a regular attendee at Castle Park, but has been unable to attend in recent years due to ill health. 

The details of Tim’s funeral are: 

1pm on Friday 22 August at Rose Hill Crematorium and afterwards at The Punches Hotel (Toby Carvery) on Bawtry Road.

He will be deeply missed by the Doncaster Knights community and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. 

Doncaster Knights are recruiting a Head of Conference and events. 

Doncaster Knights are seeking an experienced, driven, and creative leader to head up our Conference & Events department. This is a fantastic opportunity to take charge of one of Yorkshire’s top sports and events venues, shaping its future success.

In this pivotal role, you’ll lead a talented team to deliver exceptional conferences, meetings, events, match day hospitality, and private events. You’ll be responsible for driving business growth, creating memorable client experiences, and ensuring operational excellence across all areas — from catering and bar service to front of house and event delivery.

If you have proven senior experience in events, hospitality, or venue management, strong leadership skills, and a flair for building lasting client relationships, we’d love to hear from you.

Click here for the full Job Description

Salary: Up to £40,000 DOE
Location: Castle Park, Doncaster

Deadline: Sunday 31st August, 11pm

HOW TO APPLY – Send your CV and cover letter to [email protected]

 

Doncaster Knights’ newest recruit, East Timor Viliamu, has been named in the senior Samoa squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup. A prestigious annual tournament featuring some of the strongest rugby nations in the Pacific region. The competition sees Samoa face off against sides such as Fiji, Tonga, and Japan, offering high-intensity international action ahead of the Rugby World Cup cycle.

This selection marks a significant milestone in Viliamu’s career, he has previously played and captained Samoan U20’s and will now get the chance to impress the senior side.

ET will join up with the Knights squad later in the summer. The club has congratulated him on the achievement and wished him every success on the international stage! 

 

Saturday 16th August will see the Doncaster Demons host the second Val Fest event in memory of Val Chadwick, wife of their Demons physio Dave, who sadly passed away in 2024.

The event was the brainchild of Dave and the wonderful Demons team and plans to be a fun packed day of rugby at Castle Park – starting from 12 mid-day. Six teams are confirmed to play in the 10 a side tournament.

On site will also be a BBQ, cake sale, raffle and of course the bar open all day — plus some excellent rugby to enjoy.

The event will be fundraising for our club charity MIND Doncaster. Please do come along and support! 

 

Doncaster Knights are pleased to announce a home pre-season fixture against Edinburgh Rugby A on Friday, 26th September, with kick-off at 7pm at Castle Park.

This match will be the second half of a pre-season double-header between the two clubs, coming just one week after the Knights travel north to face Edinburgh in the first match of the back-to-back encounters.

The fixture offers a valuable test against top-tier opposition as the squad continues to build momentum ahead of the new campaign. Fans can look forward to seeing fresh faces and returning favourites in action under the Castle Park lights.

Tickets are on sale now for this highly anticipated clash, and entry is included for all 2025/26 Season Ticket holders.

To secure this game, and all 13 Champ home fixtures for the best price, secure your season tickets now!

Alternatively, click here to purchase tickets for the Edinburgh A fixture only. As always, U16’s go FREE!

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!