Two Knights Academy Players Sign Development Deals

15th September 2023

The club are thrilled to announce scrum half Will Metcalfe and fly half Tom Parkin have officially joined the Knights first team on development deals.

The two senior Academy players have been involved in a group of seven participating in pre-season and training with the Knights squad and will look to make appearances in the Premiership Rugby Cup competition.

Discussing the positive news, Director of Rugby Steve Boden said: “We’re really excited for Will and Tom to be involved with the Knights, and to soon get their first taste of game-time this season.

“They got their first experience of Knights action last season in the Championship Cup. I think they’re a great example of how the Academy and the first team are closely connected.

“They also prove that even if you’re young, you can be good enough – helping to promote young Yorkshire talent coming through the system.

“They’ve not had it easy – they first came into the first team environment as 18-year-old young men and they’ve had some tough times through exposure to this level of rugby, but they’ve stuck in, and they’ve dug in, so now they’re starting to get their opportunity.

“A massive credit must be given to the Academy and the amount of work that Tyson and his coaches put in. We’re looking forward to Will and Tom having successful futures at the club.”

The two backs both made their professional Knights debuts in the 2022/23 season’s edition of the Championship Cup.

Will debuted at the Richmond Athletic Ground in the Knights’ 24-12 victory over London Scottish.

Meanwhile Tom debuted at home at Castle Park against Coventry, scoring a conversion as the Knights surged back from a scoreless first half to defeat the visitors 22-7.

Head of Academy, Tyson Lewis, is extremely proud of his players as he said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Will and Tom, which they have thoroughly earned with their consistent hard work.

“It is also a fantastic indicator of the foundation our Academy can provide players and helps us to take another step in developing the player pathway we have established between our Academy set-up and the first team here at Castle Park.”

Will is extremely proud to have signed the deal with the Knights, as he said: “Being in the first team environment is a dream come true. It has really helped my development and increased my confidence a lot. Having Tyson working hard to allow Academy lads to get these opportunities made the transition a million times easier.

“I’m also looking forward to keep learning but most importantly, competing and pushing on with everyone in the Knights environment to achieve our goals.”

Tom, similarly to his teammate, is determined to make the most of the opportunity afforded by the deal, as he said: “I’m excited and grateful about the opportunity to be with the first team this season.

“I have learned so much from being in the Knights environment with the coaches and players and I have put it into practice with the Academy for the last two seasons.

“I hope to play as much as possible and help the team achieve our goals this season.”

We look forward to seeing what Will and Tom can bring to the Knights throughout their time in the first team environment.

Will Metcalfe will be sponsored by Newsome Ltd whilst Tom Parkin will be sponsored by Pro Football Support.