Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that prop, Lewis Thiede has re-signed for next season.

Doncaster-born, Lewis Thiede, began his junior rugby at Doncaster mini junior U7s and worked his way through the ranks, before being promoted to the Knights academy in May 2008. Developing his skills here, he then signed for ex-Premiership club Wasps RFC in 2011.

At the end of the 2012/13 season, Lewis remained in London and joined fellow Championship club, London Scottish. After a season there, he headed back to South Yorkshire, and joined Rotherham Titans who were also playing in the Championship at the time. Two seasons there, and another move was on the cards to newly promoted Ealing Trailfinders, Thiede really came into his own in West London, and even helped the team win the British and Irish Cup in his final season in 2017/18.

Lewis earned himself a bumper deal, signing for newly promoted Bristol Bears at the age of 28, and had an exciting two seasons at the West Country club, and even won the European Challenge Cup with the Bears in his final season.

Lewis returned to Ealing in 2020 in order to be closer to family in London, and stayed with the club for three more seasons, playing just under 100 times for the Trailfinders. In the 2021/22 season, Lewis had an incredibly successful season, helping his side win the Championship title and cup, and individually, he was named in the Championship Team of the Season.

Lewis then returned to the Knights for the 2023/24 season, donning the Blue for the first time in 12 years, he is now well on his way to reaching the big 100 next season.

Forwards coach Darren Fearn said:

“I am really happy Thiedey is staying with us next season. His experience is important to us, especially in the set piece, this is also the case off the field, where he adds great value. Playing for Doncaster means a lot to Theidey, he is a Doncaster lad, who started his career here and it’s great he will continue to be part of this group.” 

 

This weekend will be Doncaster Knights 250th Anniversary fixture! The team will go head to head with Cornish Pirates. 

A brand new 150th anniversary shirt will be worn and YOU can purcahse a match worn shirt for £100!

The following numbers are still Available:

-16

-17

-20

-22

To put your name down for a number, email [email protected] 

Please be aware this will opperate on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE basis. 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that fly half, Morgan Bunting has re-signed for next season.

Born just down the road in Rotherham, Morgan Bunting started from a very young age at school and club level, playing for Wath-upon-Dearne. From there his ability and skills only improved, as he was brought into the Leeds Carnegie academy at 14-years-old and remained a reliable member of their set-up until 2018. 

From 2018-2020, Morgan was part of the U20 Yorkshire side, and played in two consecutive Jason Leonard Cups, a tournament where every county battle it out. In his first campaign, he helped Yorkshire win the tournament, dominating throughout, and winning the final 52-5 against Lancashire. In the following season, Bunting was honoured with the captain’s armband, however, due to the pandemic, his reign as captain was cut short.

Whilst all this was happening, he continued his studies at Bishop Burton University, playing consistently for the university and also playing club rugby for Hull Ionians and Rotherham Titans. In his final year at university, Bunting was fortunate enough to captain the 1st team, demonstrating early signs of leadership skills.

Once he secured his degree, Morgan signed his first pro contract with Nottingham and spent a successful 3 years at the club, accumulating 63 appearances during his tenure. He then made the move back to Yorkshire this season to join us at Doncaster Knights. A club that Morgan was already fammilar with, due to his Dad representing the Knights nearly 100 times. 

Bunting has been a key part of the Knight’s squad this season, aiding the team to some huge victories. The club is really excited to see Morgan in action again next season. 

Head of Recruitment Matt Harland said:

“We all know how much it means to Morgan to play for Doncaster and what it means to his family. So to have him with us again for next season is brilliant news for the club. Morgan’s played a key role in the club’s big performances this season against Sale away and Ealing away. We’re excited to see another local lad continue to develop at the club and take his rugby to the next level in 2025/26.”

Hartpury were defeated at home for the first time this season as Doncaster Knights won their 10th concecutive game, 35-41.

It was the visitors who kicked off the scores almost instantly with their winger  Edwards-Giraud going over in the corner. 5-0. 

The Knights switched on and immediately worked their way into the opposite 22, starting to look dangerous in attack. However, small errors early on allowed the hosts a chance to kick back down the other end. 

Their second try followed shortly as a ripped ball gifted prop, Toti Benz-Solomon the possesion to power over the line. They added the extras 12-0. 

After the restart, Doncaster won back possesion with a penalty at the breakdown and Russell Bennett kicked us deep into the 22.

A few phases down the line and Bennett followed this up with a long ball out to Obi Ene on the wing, allowing the winger to finish in the corner, 12-5. 

Alex Dolly was next on the scoresheet with a brillant intercept try, flying off the line quickly to snatch the ball straight from Hartpury. He ran it in from halfway to score under the posts. Dolly then converted his own try. 12-12.

A penalty for not rolling away allowed Hartpury another three. 15-12.

The forwards won a scrum penalty to bring us into our attacking half, and another penalty straight after meant Bennett could kick us to the 5m line. 

A really well executed line out saw our captain Ben Murphy recive a quick ball back outside before driving his way over the line. Dolly slotted the conversion from out wide. 15-19. 

Hartpury spent the last 5 minuites in attack but a huge maul defence from the Knights meant they held the hosts up over the line just before the whistle. 

Half time score, 15-19. 

Ene snatched his second try of the day to earn a bonus point for Donny as Bennett quickly whipped the ball out wide to him. 15-24. 

Logovi’i Mulipola and Conor Davidson entered the field and immediatley won a scrum penalty. Dolly added the three points.18-27. 

Jordan Olowofela broke through Hartpury’s defence to bring Donny into the 22. He then shipped the ball back inside to Zach Kerr who was running the support line. Kerr finished under the posts and Alex Dolly added the extras. 18-34. 

Hartpury’s next try came from a chip and chase over the top of Doncaster’s defence. Their full back just managed to beat Veainu to the ball. Conversion added 25-34. 

Doncaster answered back quickly with another score when Mulipola carried hard to bring the team to the line. Ollie Fox made the quick choice to snipe the breakdown and dot the ball over the line. Bennett added the conversion 25-41. 

Hartpury managed to close the scores before the final whistle as a try from their full back saw him dance round the Knights defence. The conversion was slotted, along with another three from a penalty, meaning the full time score was 35-41. 

 

Back and Second Row Adam Hopkinson has re-signed for another season at Doncaster Knights.

Adam began his rugby career at Sandal RUFC, starting out as a young lad and eventually being promoted to the senior squad in 2017. 

Hopkinson was part of the Yorkshire set-up, representing them at county level and playing for Carnegie at Under 16s and 18s. While focusing on his studies, he was playing his rugby for Gloucestershire and had the honour of captaining them from 2018 to 2020.

In this same time period, Adam was also chosen to captain the South West County U20s, displaying high levels of leadership from a very young age. To top off a brilliant period in his career, he was named Player of the Year for Gloucestershire.

He then made the move back up north and joined Doncaster Phoenix, before returning to his boyhood club, Sandal. From there he was introduced into the Knights’ academy set-up and has been a constant at Castle Park.

Adam made his debut for the Knights in February 2023 in an impressive Championship Cup game against Coventry. He made a further 5 appearances for the Knights that season and signed his first pro contract with them for the start of 2023/24 campaign. He was also invited to play a game for Leicester Tigers last season as a guest player, which helped develop his professional career further.

This season, Hoppy has become a regular starting player wihtin the Knights squad and shown the growth of his brillaint skill and strength. The club is very happy to retain another local Yorkshireman. 

Assistant coach and Academy Director Tyson Lewis said: 

“It’s outstanding that Hoppy has signed with us again for next season. It’s great to see him come through the academy and secure himself into the first team. Because he came through the academy, I’ve known him a long time and I always knew the potential was there which he is really showing now. It’s always a pleasure to work with him and he is a big part of the way we play here at the Knights.”

Doncaster Knights are deeply saddned to announce the passing of loyal supporter, Brian Townend. 

Townend has been a lifelong member of Doncaster Knights rugby club. He was also a referee, sponsor and vice president. He was an important part of the Doncaster Knights community and will be hugely missed. 

The club would like to extend it’s deepest condolences to his friends, family and anyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. 

Funeral details:

5th June 

11:00am 

At Rosehill

Joe Ford and Sir Ian McGeechan have named thier squad to face Hartpury Away.

Our front row and second row remain unchanged from last week’s win agasint Coventry. Andrew Turner, George Roberts and Lewis Thiede, with Ben Murphy and Josh Williams in the second row. 

Ben Chapman comes into the back row to join Archie Smeaton and Morgan Strong.

Fred Davies returns from Barbarians duty to be our replacement Hooker, Conor Davidson and Logovi’i Mulipola make the replacement front row. 

Adam Hopkinson and Jasper McGuire make up the remaining forward replacements.

Our half backs remain the same, Alex Dolly and Russell Bennett, with Will Parry returning from bath to join Zach Kerr in the centre. 

Jordan Olowofela, Obi Ene and Telusa Veainu make up the back three. 

Ollie Fox and Morgan Bunting are the half back replacemnts, with George Wacokecoke back on the bench. 

 

The Club can announce that Number Eight, Morgan Strong will depart the club at the end of the season.

Doncaster Knights would like to pass on a massive thank you to Morgan for an increadible shift in the blue and red stripes, it’s been fantastic watching him tear up in Yorkshire. 

Strong has played every single game so far this season, and racked up an impressive eight tries for the club, with three games still to play.

Morgan said: ” I just want to say a big thank you too the players, coaches and especially the fans. It’s been one of the most enjoyable seasons in my career and I’ve really appreciated the time i’ve spent here at Doncaster.” 

The club has no doubt that Strong will go so far and smash his next venture. We would like to wish Morgan and his family all the very best. 

English rugby’s second tier reveals new competition format and brand as it gears up for the 2025-26 season!

• New competition structure includes the introduction of both champion and relegation play offs. 

• Introduction of a bold new brand identity: Champ Rugby, The Proving Ground.

A transformed competition format for the second tier of English rugby for the 2025-26 season and beyond, as well as a bold new-look identity has been revealed. Re-branded ‘Champ Rugby’, the competition will become a 14-team league with play-offs designed to elevate player development, club sustainability and competitive integrity. Worcester Warriors, which recently gained a place after a rigorous selection process, and Richmond, the 2024-25 winners of National League 1, will join the existing 12 clubs that currently form the Championship.
The league’s new visual identity positions Champ Rugby as the proving ground for players, clubs and communities and is aligned to the growth trajectory for the league.  It also supports the vision to inspire and engage current and future generations of rugby fans, while also bringing commercial sustainability and growth to its clubs.                                                                                                                                

All teams will play each other in home and away fixtures over 26 rounds.  At the end of the 26-round Champ Rugby regular season, the table will be split into qualification stages. The teams ranked from third to sixth will take part in quarter finals to earn entry into the semi-finals, where the winners will take on the top two ranked sides. The winners of the semi-finals enter the final to determine the Champ Rugby champion.
The overall winner will then face the bottom Premiership Rugby club in a promotion/relegation play-off, in both a home and away leg, to determine which league they will play in for the following campaign, subject to meeting the minimum standards criteria.                                  

At the bottom end of the table, the team that finishes in 14thplace will be relegated to National 1. The teams that finish in 12th and 13th will face-off in a one-legged fixture, with the losertaking part in a play-off against the winner of the NationalLeague 1 play-off to determine who will play in Champ Rugby for the following season. This play-off (Access Final) will be a one-legged fixture, with the winner joining the champion of National League 1 in Champ Rugby, subject to the teams meeting Champ Rugby Minimum Operating Standards (https://www.englandrugby.com/run/rules-governance/rfu-rules-and-regulations/tier-2-minimum-operating-standards-202526).

Simon Gillham, Tier 2 Board Chair, said: “We are excited to announce the structure of Champ Rugby, which will bring a highly competitive and gripping conclusion to the season, providing both aspiration and jeopardy.

“We have worked closely with the clubs and stakeholders on developing a compelling league format that rewards ambition and plays a key role in growing the sport, supporting both player and club development.

“Building up English rugby’s second tier competition is critical to the transformation of the elite game in this country,and we are at the start of that journey.  Delivering high quality event day experiences, gripping on-field drama at the conclusion of the season and more compelling digital and visual content will support our transformation aims for the league.  

“We have developed a really strong brand identity which we believe showcases everything the league represents and the impact we know it will have on the sport, our players, communities and fans. It will appeal to both existing supporters of the league as well as being exciting and compelling for a new and younger audience as well as importantly potential sponsors and investors in the league.
“We look forward to seeing the new brand roll-out across both central Champ Rugby channels as well as those of the clubs as preparation for the 2025-26 season starts in earnest.”

A detailed fixture release will be announced in the coming weeks.  

Doncaster Knights hooker, Fred Davies was selcted to represent the Barbarians in two different fixtures across May. 

Not only did Davies represent the iconic touring team, he also was given the honour of being captian during his second appearance.

The barbarians helped celebrate two historic moments in May with back-to-back fixtures against Durham University RFC and Glasgow Acadmicals RFC. The historic touring club entertained supporters in their opening games of 2025 to firstly celebrate DURFC’s 150th anniversary before heading further north a week later to mark the 100th anniversary of Scotland’s 1925 Grand Slam success.

The final scores were:

Durham University 31-55 Barbarians
Glasgow Academicals 31-78 Barbarians

Davies scored three times during the campaign, twice against Glasgow and once against Durham. 

Everyone at the club extends a huge congratulations to Fred on a fantastic achievement.

 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce that Full Back, Telusa Veianu re-signs for 2025/26.

Starting his rugby career in New Zealand, Veainu worked his way through the age groups of Canterbury RFC’s squads, before being rewarded with an appearance in the New Zealand U20s World Cup in 2010, where he scored 5 tries, including a hat-trick in the final. Telusa got his call up to the Canterbury first team squad and went on to make 34 appearances and scoring 21 tries.

In 2015, he relocated to England and joined Leicester Tigers, where he really began to make a name for himself and stunned the Premiership crowds. Playing for the Midlands side 80 times and scoring a brilliant 32 tries, he became a fan favourite during his 5-year tenure, and even helped the squad lift the Anglo-Welsh Cup in the 2016/17 season.

Internationally, Telusa represneted Tonga at senior level and was selected for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Since then he has played 12 times for the ‘Sea Eagles’ scoring 8 times, and was even selected in the 2019 World Cup Squad, in which he was Tonga’s top try-scorer.

Ahead of the 2020/21 season, Telusa hopped across the Channel this time and joined Stade Français. He remained a consistent and dependent player for the French side, and managed to reach double figure tries, scoring 10 during his 3 years in the capital.

Most recently, he joined Doncaster Knights this season after spending a year with fellow northern club Sale Sharks. 

He has been an intergral part of the Knights this season, sharing his experience and skills with those around him. 

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said:

“What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Telusa. But, to have a player of his quality at the club is everything when you are building a squad. You can see the influence he is having on the team by the way we have been playing since Christmas. He pushes everyone to get the most from training and takes the level up each day. We are delighted to have him at the club and it shows how serious the club are about pushing on to that next step.”