Lewis Thiede set to become Doncaster’s latest centurion this weekend

2nd January 2026

Lewis Thiede will reach a major milestone this weekend as he makes his 100th appearance for Doncaster Knights. 

The tight head prop reflects on the occasion: “I think it’s a mix of emotions, really. Starting out my rugby journey here in the mini juniors is something you only aspire to just to make it, to get on the pitch just once.”

Having come through the club’s junior and academy system, Thiede admits the journey to 100 appearances has not been straightforward, with a long spell away from Castle Park before returning later in his career “Having quite a big break in between has made it strange, because I started my career here, then went on and played for different clubs, and now I’ve come back towards the end of my career. It’s quite strange because I’ve now got a family.”

Thiede’s family will be watching on this weekend, making the occasion even more special. “I’ve got two kids who come and watch, and it’s going to be special for me and my family, my mum and dad as well, obviously, for everything they’ve done throughout the years. It’s nice for them to come and see that it was all worth something.”

Reaching 100 games for the Knights has always been a target for Thiede, even though his career path took him away from Doncaster earlier on. “It’s a milestone that I’ve always wanted to hit. When I was growing up, I didn’t want to be a person that went from club to club, but when I was here originally I got an opportunity to go to Wasps and move to the Premiership.”

After stints at Wasps, Bristol Bears and Ealing, he returned to his boyhood club. “I’m so happy to be back here. Playing not just 100 games, but 100 games for my home club. It’s massive.”

Looking back, Thiede still remembers his first appearance in a Doncaster shirt. “The first game I played was a pre-season friendly against Glasgow Warriors. I came off the bench and I scrummaged really well, but if you asked me what I did that was good, I couldn’t tell you. I didn’t really know what I was doing.”

“I had brilliant mentors. Massimo was our scrum coach then and he was brilliant for me. There would’ve been a process behind it, but that’s the only thing I really remember.”

He reflected on his highlights from his time at the club: “The games against Ealing last season, those wins were nice because they were top of the pyramid, and it was good to show what we’re about as a team.”

“From when I was first here to now, it’s the same. It’s just a good group of lads, a good group of blokes, and it’s a privilege to be able to put on the shirt.”

As a Doncaster local, representing the club in front of a home crowd holds special significance. “I’m from Doncaster,  I don’t go to the shop without seeing somebody who’s a fan, or someone I’ve played rugby with, or something like that. So to be able to play in front of a home crowd is special.”

With friends, parents, partner and children all set to be in attendance, Thiede is looking forward to marking the milestone in familiar surroundings. “My mum and dad will be here, my partner and kids will be here watching. They’re getting really into it, so it’s exciting. It’s a really nice way to do it at home.”