Doncaster Knights are delighted to announce the appointment of Darren Fearn as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Darren steps up into the role following the departure of Joe Ford, having served as Forwards Coach at the club during the 2024/25 campaign. His promotion marks a natural progression for a coach who has quickly earned the respect of players and staff alike through his dedication, leadership, technical expertise, and understanding of the game.

‘Daz’ is highly respected figure in the English coaching landscape. He has a real wealth of experience from multiple levels of the game. After a playing career in both the Premiership and Championship, he then focused on his coaching as Head of Rugby at Northumbria University. Under his guidance, Northumbria achieved their highest-ever finish in the BUCS Super Rugby (BSR) league, finishing as runners-up. During his time there, Fearn played a key role in the development of players such as Will Muir and Josh Hodge, both of whom are popular premiership names and have since gone on to represent England A.

Following his success at Northumbria, Darren took on the role of Director of Rugby at Newcastle University,where he oversaw another strong performance programme. The team has consistently challenged for a place in the BSR league, with several athletes progressing into the Championship and even the Premiership under his stewardship.

In addition to his university coaching roles, Fearn has proudly served as Head Coach of the England Students’ squad for six seasons. He led the side to a historic victory over France, their first win on French soil in 17 years. Throughout this period, he has worked with and nurtured top-tier talent, including the likes of Fitz Harding and Luke Northmore.

Most importantly, Daz has been a huge part of the team’s success this season. His influence on the group, both on and off the field, has been immense, earning the respect and trust of the players through his honest approach, detailed coaching, and unwavering commitment.

Fearn said: 

“I am excited to have the opportunity to be head coach of this fantastic club and continue working with this group. This season we started to see the benefits of a collective understanding on what “our game” looks like, we need to keep developing this and I can guarantee we will. When I say “our game” I don’t just mean players and staff, I mean everyone involved in the club, especially the supporters who have got behind our team this season, whether it was those of you that filled the supporter’s bus to Ampthill or making Castle Park bounce. Finally, thank you to Steve, Tony, Geech and the rest of the board, it means a lot personally that you have put trust in me to take this role”

Darren is incredibly passionate about this club and cares deeply about the players, their growth, and the collective culture being built at Castle Park. The club has full confidence in his leadership and is excited to see what can be achieved under his guidance moving forward.

Congratulations, Daz.