Powering the Knights: A New Era of Elite Performance with the High Performance Centre

10th October 2025

In the heart of Doncaster’s sporting heartbeat, where the roar of the crowd meets the precision of elite preparation, a game-changing alliance has been forged. We’re thrilled to announce that the Doncaster Knights have teamed up with the High Performance Centre (HPC) at Eco Power Stadium as our official performance partners. This isn’t just a collaboration—it’s a commitment to pushing boundaries, sharpening edges, and elevating every player to their peak. As we lace up for another season of Championship rugby, the HPC stands ready to fuel our charge, blending cutting-edge science with the grit that defines Knights rugby.

Imagine a facility where data drives dominance, where recovery isn’t reactive but proactive, and where the line between training and triumph blurs. That’s the promise of the HPC, and it’s right here in Doncaster.

The Heart of High Performance: Inside the HPC

The HPC is more than a gym or a lab; it’s an elite ecosystem designed to unlock athletic potential. Specialising in performance testing and sports therapy, it boasts state-of-the-art tools like VO2 max, force plates for biomechanical analysis, and advanced recovery suites that rival those at Premiership clubs.

From cryotherapy to isometric dynamometers for precise muscle assessment, every inch of the space is geared toward one goal: measurable improvement. “We’re breaking down barriers to make elite-level sports science accessible to all athletes,” the HPC team emphasises, fostering an environment where pros and aspiring talents alike can thrive. And with its prime location in the stadium, it’s not just convenient—it’s immersive, surrounded by the energy of live sport.

But what does this mean for the Knights? Everything. As performance partners, the HPC has been instrumental in our build-up to the 2025/26 campaign, providing tailored support that goes beyond the basics.

Beyond the Pitch: Nurturing the Next Generation

What sets the HPC apart? It’s not just for the pros. At its core is a commitment to education, with the BSc (Hons) in Sports, Fitness and Exercise Science—a three-year degree validated and awarded by the University of Hull (UCAS Code: C602).

Personalised learning is key: Small cohorts mean tailored modules, from biomechanics to sports psychology, all applied in real-world scenarios. Experiential learning shines through placements at the HPC, where students shadow Knights and Rovers sessions, analysing data fresh from the field. Embedded qualifications—Level 3, 4, and 5 in Sport Massage—equip grads with industry creds, integrated seamlessly into the curriculum.

The focus? Employability in elite sport. Year 3’s independent research project might see a student dissecting Knights’ scrum dynamics, while electives in strength and conditioning prep for roles with pro teams. “Our facilities provide Sports students with the ultimate environment,” the HPC notes, thanks to exclusive access via Knights and Rovers partnerships. Graduates aren’t just degree-holders; they’re ready-to-deploy pros, with alumni already embedding in regional academies.

And it’s not isolated to rugby. The HPC’s roster of partners underscores Doncaster’s sporting synergy. Since 2024, they’ve been the performance backbone for Doncaster Rovers, delivering pre-season testing and unlimited recovery access that powered their title-winning charge last season. From Rovers’ recovery pods to Knights’ velocity-based training, the HPC is the common thread weaving excellence across codes

Want to join the action? Aspiring sports scientists can kickstart their journey with the HPC’s elite degree programme, while athletes and teams can tap into world-class facilities with bespoke bookings and performance packages. Reach out to Josh Wroot at [email protected] to unlock your potential today!