Utility Back Matt McNab signs for Doncaster Knights

28th May 2025

Doncaster Knights are delighted to share that we have signed centre/back three, Matt McNab from Cornish Pirates.

McNab started his rugby career aged six for an academy in Zimbabwe called Sharks Kids, which was run by Brendon Dawson who has held the head coach role in Zimbabwe. Matt was educated at Whitestone Primary School and then Falcon College before attending Hartpury University where he did his Undergraduate Degree in Sports Business Management, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management.

Matt has represented Zimbabwe in two World Cup qualifiers, one in 2019 and another in 2022, he has also in the past represented Zimbabwe Goshawks in the Currie Cup competition.

He began his Championship career with Hartpury RFC before moving to Cornish Pirates, where he really made a name for himself. During his first season in Penzance, he made 26 appearances, scored 13 tries, one of which won their ‘Try of the Season’ award. He also won Pirates’ ‘Sportsman of the Year’ and ‘Supporters’ Player of the Season’ trophies. At the end of the 23/24 campaign he was selected in the Championship clubs’ Team of the Season.

This season, he has continued to impress, currently sat at fourth top try scorer in the league, having socred 14 tries. 

Doncaster Knights are delighted to have McNab join the club. Aged 26, weighing 99kg and standing at 6ft2.

Head of recruitment Matt Harland said: 

“Matt is someone we’ve been working hard to bring to the club for the last 2 years and we are delighted we’ve finally been able to get his signature. Matt is a powerful ball carrier and shown this year what a quality finisher he is. Matt adds depth to our exciting back line covering both Centre and Wing. We’re really looking forward to see what Matt can achieve in a Knights shirt as we know we are bringing a quality player to Castle Park for next season.”