Knights Sign Centre Joe Bedlow on Season-Long Loan

26th July 2023

The club are thrilled to announce the season-long loan signing of centre Joe Bedlow ahead of the 2023/24 season. 

Joe joins Doncaster Knights from Premiership side, Sale Sharks.

Discussing Joe’s loan agreement with the Knights, DoR Steve Boden said: “We’re really happy Joe is going to come on loan with us. We’ve worked with him in the past when he was on loan during the Championship Cup last year and he impressed.

“He’s a strong ball carrier with strong contact skills and he’s young. He needs game-time and exposure to try to force his way up the pecking order at Sale Sharks, so hopefully this deal will work to the benefit of both parties.

“There’s going to be a lot of competition at centre, so Joe’s going to have to be at his best to get the kind of game-time he wants.

“During last year’s Cup competition, he fit in with the boys really well, so we know what he’s like as a person and we know he’s going to bring the right attitude, so we’re really lucky to have him amongst our squad.

“And ultimately, this is also helping to grow the relationship we’ve built with Sale Sharks in the last two or three years, so hopefully that can continue in the future.”

The 21-year-old back has progressed in recent years from the Sharks Academy to appearances for the first team, mainly in the Premiership Cup. He has also spent time on loan in the Knights environment before – starting two games in the Championship Cup in late 2022 charting two wins over Coventry at home and London Scottish in the capital.

Charting a handful of appearances for Sale so far following his debut in a Premiership Cup fixture against Newcastle Falcons at the AJ Bell Stadium in November 2021, Joe has progressed well since joining the Premiership outfit from Myerscough College.

The young centre is motivated to further build on his game with more regular game-time.

“Having spent a few weeks here last season, I know the environment at Doncaster Knights will push me on and develop me as a player.

“I’m hoping this season we can kick on and compete at the top end of the Championship league and the Premiership Rugby Cup.”

We look forward to seeing what Joe can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

As Joe is an incoming player, there are player sponsorship opportunities available. Please email l.higgins@castle-park.co.uk for more information.