Doncaster Knights picked up two points on the road as a close encounter with Cambridge ended 12-12. 

The Knights started quickly as Ryan Olowofela won the ball back in the air as Russell Bennett kicked the game off. Donny continued to attack and a few phases later, Alex Dolly picked the ball from the back of the breakdown and broke into space. He popped the ball up and Adam Hopkinson snatched it quickly before diving over the line. Russell Bennett added the extras. 0-7.

Cambridge answered back quickly as they moved the ball out quickly to the backs, and an impressive link play from their centred partnership allowed them to break through and score under the posts. Conversion successful.

The game continued to be a physical contest, with both teams defending hard. It was the visitors who managed to crack and score a final try before the end of the first half. They intercepted a Doncaster pass and broke into space. Cambridge’s scrum half ran a support line and received the pass, but Bennett put in a brilliant tackle just short of the try line to stop him going the full way. Unfortunately for the Knights, Cambridge’s winger showed brilliant pace to get there just in time to receive the final pass. 

Half time score 12-7. 

The second half continued to be hard fought battle, with both sides putting in countless hits to hold each other out. It was a huge team effort form the Knights to bring the visitors back into a poison to score. 

Adam Hopkinson won the ball from a Cambridge line out, earning Donny a scrum, which the forwards executed perfectly and won a penalty. Bennett then put in a perfect kick to touch, giving the Knights a line out on the 5m line. 

After a well executed line out, Dolly popped the ball out wide to Zach Kerr who finished in the corner. Bennett’s conversion went slightly wide. 12-12. 

The Knights worked hard to put themselves in an attacking position again, and another big scrum from the forwards meant Donny has the chance to kick for three. The windy conditions meant the Knights just missed out on the win, but take two points back to Castle Park. 

Full time score 12-12.  

The Knights return to home action next week as we face Cornish Pirates. Grab tickets and show your support here. 

Doncaster Knights season ticket holders and club sponsors are invited to apply for the chance to receive tickets to this year’s nations championship. 

The Club receives a set ticket entitlement for all games and when demand outstrips supply, tickets will be allocated via a ballot system.

The available games and prices are as follows:

England v Australia – Sunday 8 November

KO 15:10

Category 2 Seating – £114 + £10 ticket fee

England v Japan – Saturday 14 November

KO 16:40 

Category 2 Seating – £69 + £10 ticket fee

To apply please complete the form linked here!

Darren Fearn and Sir Ian McGeechan have named their squad to kick of the second half of the CHAMP season. With a handful of injuries returning to action this weekend, here’s how the Knights line up to face Cambridge on the road…

Tight head prop Joe Jones returns to start in the front row alongside loose head Conor Davidson and Hooker Fred Davies. Adam Hopkinson and Morgan Jones make up the second row behind them, with a strong back row supporting from behind. Jasper McGuire Starts at eight with Josh Bainbridge and Rhys Tait on each flank. 

Our replacement front row is made up of Newcastle Red Bull loan, Micky Rewcastle. Rewastle’s tighthead partner will be Logovi’i Mulipola, with Ben Chapman the replacement hooker. Ehize Ehizode and East Timor Viliamu are also named on the bench. 

Alex Dolly starts at scrum half again with Russell Bennett returning from injury to start at fly half. Connor Edwards also returns to the starting line up to partner with Joe Margetts in the centres. Zach Kerr moves out to the wing, with Ryan Olowofela on the other. Telusa Veainu keeps the 15 shirt. 

Our replacement half backs are Cameron Kelemeti and Morgan Bunting, with Aidan Cross the final back amongst the replacements. 

The game kicks off at 2pm and can be watched LIVE on www.clubbertv.co.uk – we will be showing the stream at Castle Park so head to the ground to enjoy the game with fellow Knights fans! Bar will be open from 1:30pm. 

The Knights then return to Castle Park the following week to face Cornish Pirates, you can secure a ticket here!

SQUAD: 1. Conor Davidson 2. Fred Davies, 3. Joe Jones, 4. Morgan Jones, 5. Adam Hopkinson, 6. Rhys Tait (6) 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. Micky Rewcastle, 18. Logovi’i Mulipola, 19. Ehize Ehizode, 20. East Timor Viliamu, 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, Connor Hancock, Tye Raymont 

Doncaster Knights Rugby Club can confirm that, following a detailed strategic review, the club will adopt a new hybrid operating model ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The decision, taken by Club President Steve Lloyd in consultation with the Board and senior rugby leadership, reflects the evolving financial landscape of professional rugby and the club’s long-term commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and player welfare.

Under the new model, Doncaster Knights will continue to compete fully and ambitiously in the RFU CHAMP, but with an adjusted approach to how the rugby programme is delivered.

The rugby budget will operate at a reduced level under the new hybrid model. Players will be supported in pursuing opportunities to supplement or match their current earnings by developing careers and professional pathways alongside their rugby commitments, while continuing to train and compete in a professional environment. This reflects the reality of modern professional rugby, where even at “full-time” clubs many players already balance rugby with a second income or career path.

Player training days and times will be slightly reduced and adjusted, though not significantly. The rugby programme will remain high-quality and performance-led, while offering greater flexibility within the weekly schedule.

The adjusted training structure also places Doncaster Knights in a stronger position to work with Premiership/Elite clubs with whom we already have positive relationships. This will allow the squad to be strengthened through carefully selected loan players, increasing overall squad depth and competition while maintaining a strong Doncaster Knights core and identity.

The Club will also continue to watch with interest developments currently under discussion regarding the expansion and repositioning of Prem Rugby. A Yorkshire Prem team is central to the desires of the RFU, PRL and the whole of Yorkshire rugby. Doncaster’s ambitions continue unabated to create an investable and sustainable team to play at the highest level of English professional rugby.

This change represents a proactive step to ensure Doncaster Knights remain a stable, ambitious, and competitive club in a changing professional rugby landscape. The club remains fully committed to on-field performance, developing talent, and maintaining strong connections with supporters, partners, and the local community.

Doncaster Knights are pleased to share that Prop, Micky Rewcastle has joined up with the squad ahead of Saturday’s fixture in Cambridge. 

Rewcastle joins on loan this week to provide cover in the front row. Capped by England Under-18s during the 2021-22 season, he played his junior rugby with Gosforth Academy, Blaydon RFC and Durham county.

Doncaster Knights are offering you the opportunity to win Six Nations tickets.

On Saturday 7th February, England host Wales in their opening game of the tournament at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. England are in impressive form currently, on a ten match winning run.

You can win two tickets in our social media competition. Simply visit the Facebook link here, click the link and fill in your details. 

The winner will be contacted on Friday 30th January.

The CHAMP have now confirmed the exact dates and kick off times for the remainder of the season. Doncaster Knights fixtures are as follows: 

Saturday 24th January – Cambridge (AWAY) – 2PM 

Saturday 31st January – Cornish Pirates (HOME) – 2:30PM

Saturday 7th February – Worcester Warriors (AWAY) – 2:30PM

Saturday 14th February – Bedford Blues (HOME) – 2:30PM 

Friday 20th February – Chinnor (AWAY) – 7:45PM 

Saturday 28th February – Ealing Trailfinders (HOME) – 2:30PM 

Saturday 21st March – Coventry (AWAY) – 3:00PM 

Friday 27th March – Hartpury (HOME) – 7:30PM

Saturday 4th April – Ampthill (AWAY) – 3:00PM 

Friday 10th April – Richmond (HOME) – 7:30PM 

Saturday 18th April – London Scottish (HOME) – 2:30PM

Saturday 2nd May – Caldy (AWAY) – 3:00PM 

Saturday 9th May – Nottingham (HOME) – 3:00PM 

Purchase tickets for any remaining home fixture here!

Doncaster Knights are delighted to welcome Adam Gilliver of Elite Construction Group (North) as sponsors this season.

Entertaining their clients, prospects and staff, Adam Gilliver and his guests are enjoying hospitality in our newly refurbished Albemarle Suite for the season, which provide the best views in the house pre match, overlooking the pitch. Relaxing with delicious food, private bar and an entertaining afternoon of rugby union action this has been the perfect setting to connect with their clients out of the busy working week. 

Elite Construction Group (North) are civils and construction specialists with over 40 years experience of a multitude of construction applications. Covering all aspects of civils, developments and highways they have a proven track record of delivering high-quality cost-effective solutions.

With a team of experienced professionals with a passion for the construction industry, a commitment to providing clients with the highest level of service & support and investment in training and development they certainly deliver quality. For further details visit their website here.

Having a driveway board and pitchside perimeter advertising boards at Doncaster Knights certainly provides their business with plenty of coverage at games for fans, supporters and sponsors, through photos, social media coverage, live streaming with Clubber TV and beyond. Elite Construction have been involved with our sponsors lunches making new connections and networking to grow their contacts. 

It has been a pleasure to entertain Adam and his guests and we are looking forward to the rest of the season with them as well as growing and developing our relationship.

For full details of hospitality, sponsorship, advertising and networking events at Doncaster Knights and how this can benefit your business then please contact Tracey Owen on [email protected].

Everyone at Doncaster Knights is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player, David Kirk. 

David played for Doncaster during the 1960s and 1970s as a first team hooker. He has been a supporter of the club and a regular to Castle Park ever since.

The club sends their deepest condolences to all his family and friends at this sad time, he will be massively missed here at Doncaster Knights.