Doncaster Knights are currently looking for a Media & Communications Officer to join the team for the upcoming 2024-25 season and beyond.

A large part of the role will involve enhancing the fan engagement of the organisation and the community strategy to ensure that all Doncaster residents can relate.

As the first point of contact on all company media matters, the successful individual will be required to develop strong relationships with local and national press. 

The successful candidate will be target driven and have an ability to create and deliver media and communication campaigns that show a demonstrable return on investment.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Media, PR and marketing strategies
• Fan engagement projects
• Brand development
• Produce articles to update supporters on club news
• Produce well-written match reports
• Produce the digital matchday programme using digital software
• Creation of match highlights
• Work and engage with local and Rugby press
• Manage the Doncaster Knights website
• Manage all social media sites, including content planning and posting
• Be able to create engaging media content 
• Identify and promote ticket sales initiatives
• Support the commercial team with sales opportunities and club partners to promote their activities

The successful candidate will ideally possess the following:

• Proven track record in Media & Communications
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to work on your own initiative
• Experience of a similar role in professional sport is desirable

You can view the full job description here – Media & Communications Officer JD – Doncaster Knights Rugby Club.

Please note this vacancy will remain open until the position is filled. 

If you wish to be considered for the position, please send your CV, cover letter and salary expectations to the Head of Commercial, Tom Foy, tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk

Jasper McGuire has signed with the Doncaster Knights, bolstering our squad for the 2024-25.

McGuire, a loosehead prop, makes his move from Premiership Champions, Saracens. The loosehead has spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Ampthill developing his skills and gaining additional experience as a front rower in the Championship.

McGuire is a player that incoming forwards coach, Darren Fearn knows well having previously worked with him up at Newcastle University and through the English Universities programme. 

Doncaster Knights’ head coach Joe Ford has expressed his enthusiasm about the signing of Jasper McGuire. Ford highlighted McGuire’s “impressive physical presence and technical skills, noting that these attributes would significantly strengthen the team’s forward pack”. He also emphasised McGuire’s “potential for development and his eagerness to integrate into the squad, both of which align well with the club’s future ambitions.”

Ford, who has been with the Knights since 2020 and now transitioned to head coach in 2023, values not only McGuire’s on-field abilities but also his character and work ethic, which are essential for building a cohesive team environment. 

Jasper is available for sponsorship for the 2024-25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk or Tracey Owen at towen@castle-park.co.uk

 

Northern Irish Centre/Winger, Zach Kerr signs for the Doncaster Knights from Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons for the 2024/25 Season.

Dynamic Kerr, captained the first team at Bangor Grammar School, starting his rugby career with a bang. He went onto play in the All-Ireland League for Bangor before a short stint out in New Zealand with Tauranga Sports.

Upon his return to English rugby, Kerr had a 2-month spell with Ex-Championship side, Yorkshire Carnegie (Leeds Tykes) before signing for the Falcons senior academy.

Since signing for the Falcons back in 2020, Kerr has gone from strength to strength, contributing to their Premiership Rugby Cup win over Leicester Tigers under a home crowd.

“He’s been at Newcastle a few seasons now, great versatility, he can play both centres, both wings and he’s really solid in the contact. He’s looking to get some good game time so he can progress further in his career, so it’s a great addition for the squad. He’s played in European competitions and obviously the Premiership, so he’s going to be bringing a lot of experience with him.” – Joe Ford, Head Coach

24 year old, Kerr comes into the Knights line up for the 2024/25 season standing at 1.80m and weighing 95kg.

Zach Kerr is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk

“First and foremost, Saturday is game day. As a group, we can’t lose sight of that. There’s going to be a lot of emotion at the weekend with some lads playing their last game for the club and some lads retiring from Rugby all together, but the number 1 rule is that from minute 1 to 80, we’re there mentally, to put in a performance that is and always is required in a Doncaster Shirt.

That’s the minimum requirement, for the players leaving, for the supporters, and for everyone associated with the club., we’re going to go for it in this final game and afterwards, we can enjoy each other’s company one last time as a group as the lads will no doubt be off to celebrate the end of the season.

It’s business as usual, we will go for it with all we have for one last time, chase that positive result… it’s something that we owe to ourselves.

We know from right at the start of the season, what a top team Hartpury are and some of their recent results have really shown that and so we understand what we’re coming up against.

Thank you again for all your support, not only from me and the coaching staff, but from each and every lad who puts on a Knights shirt and gives it their all, week in and week out. We will see you back at Castle Park for the 2024/25 season”.

–Joe Ford, Head Coach

3 changes within the starting XV for Doncaster Knights as they go into Round 22, and the final game of the 2023/24 Championship Rugby campaign against Hartpury RFC at Hartpury Stadium.

2 changes coming from within the forwards pack as Andrew Foster comes in for Lewis Thiede.

Charlie Beckett comes in at #4 for Evan Mintern, as this will be Charlies’ last professional rugby outing, as retirement knocks on the door.

Sam Olver comes in at #10, replacing last matches’ starter, Russell Bennett and 4 players come onto the bench for the final outing of the 2023/24 season, Tom Doughty, Corrie Barrett, Evan Mintern and Jack Metcalf.

The last time that both teams met was right back at the start of the 2023/24 Championship season, where Hartpury made the trip up north but faced a 20-18 loss to the Knights, under a home crowd.

The Knights’ last trip to Hartpury Stadium resulted in an away win of 16-34, and they’re looking to do the same again to finish off the season in style.

It’s a battle to finish 5^th within the league, as the Knights are just 3 points ahead of Hartpury.

It’s all to play for… LET’S GO KNIGHTS!

Starting XV

1. Conor Davidson
2. George Roberts
3. Andrew Foster
4. Charlie Beckett
5. Ben Murphy
6. Fyn Brown
7. Archie Smeaton
8. Harry Wilson
9. Ollie Fox
10. Sam Olver ©
11. Maliq Holden
12. Joe Bedlow
13. Joe Margetts
14. George Simpson
15. Billy McBryde ©

Replacements

16. Tom Doughty
17. Harrison Courtney
18. Corrie Barrett
19. Ehize Ehizode
20. Evan Mintern
21. Jack Digby
22. Will Metcalfe
23. Jack Metcalf

 

Fijian Powerhouse, George Wacokecoke signs for the Doncaster Knights from Premiership side, Newcastle Falcons for the 2024/25 Season.

Suva born Centre, Wacokecoke started his career playing in the Northampton Saints Academy. He quickly became a household name for the Falcons as he aided them to Premiership promotion, from the Championship back in 2019.

Speaking with new forwards coach for the 2024/25 season, Darren Fearn shares insight into George’s career,

“George came through the Saints academy and Bath signed him from there. He moved to the Northeast to study, and this is where I met him, he was a stand-out player in BUCS Super rugby, and he played for England students in 2 campaigns.

He made his premiership debut at the end of his 3^rd year of University, and this is when he signed with Newcastle.

He’s been with the Falcons since they were in the Championship as a regular starter, to where he won the championship with them. George then signed a 3 year deal with the Falcons to continue his Rugby career.”

Head Coach, Joe Ford had a few words to say on Wacokecoke’s arrival…

“George is an awesome signing, he’s a player that can produce moments. He’s a player that’s tough to coach at times as he’s a very special talent and we’re very excited to get him down here to Castle Park playing week in and week out for us, it’s going to be brilliant to watch.

We’ve done very well to get him here, there was a lot of interest from France but he wanted to come and be a part of what we are building here. He’s worked with Darren Fearn (New forwards coach for the 2024/25 season), and Darren couldn’t speak more highly of him.

We can’t wait to work with him and he’s also excited to show us what he capable of doing, he’s a top quality signing and such a quality player.“

28 year old, Wacokecoke comes into the Knights line up for the 2024/25 season standing in at 180cm and weighing in at 94kg.

George Wacokecoke is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk

Cornishman, Cory Teague is coming up to the north as he signs for the Doncaster Knights from Premiership side, Exeter Chiefs for the 2024/25 Season.

Bulldozer, Teague comes in at Lock for the Doncaster Knights. Having started his career for Wadebridge Camels, he quickly signed for Premiership outfit, Exeter Chiefs, making a great impression throughout the squad.

For the Chiefs, Teague initially represented the Under 16s side and later played in Premiership Rugby Cup and A League games. This season, he has made 7 appearances for the Chiefs, scoring a total of 5 points.

Back in the 2021/22 season, Teague became duel registered with Championship side Cornish Pirates, making his way back home to Cornwall. While playing with the Pirates, Teague has made 43 appearances for the club over 2 seasons.

Head Coach, Joe Ford on Teague’s arrival…

“He’s a great young talent, he’s played a lot of Championship rugby for his age, abrasive second row, very physical and always up for the fight, so he will be a great addition for the Knights squad for next year.”

Cory Teague comes in to the Knights squad at 1.98m tall, weighing in at 108kg.

Cory Teague is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk

Since becoming an approved new Bailey Motorhome Retailer in 2023 we have experienced an unprecedented demand for their stunning 2024 range of motorhomes and it’s been wonderful to help so many new customers, from all over the country, find their dream motorhome

Together with our range of quality pre-owned motorhomes & campervans we have something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a first time buyer, & our motorhomes ‘dream’ team, pictured below, are on hand to help you every step of the way

At Yorkshire Caravans & Motorhomes we offer:-

12 months MOT

Full HPI & habitation check

Up to 36 months warranty available

Industry leading price promise

Any motor vehicle taken as part exchange

Lowest finance rate in the region

Check our web site for details of all our current stock or call into our 34 acre site in Bawtry  – the kettle is always on!

• motorhomesales@yorkshirecaravans.com
• 01302 710366
• Mon-Sat 9 – 6, Sun 10-4
• DN10 6DG
• www.yorkshirecaravans.com

Family owned since 1931, Yorkshire Caravans & Motorhomes is the oldest independent retailer of caravans, motorhomes, awnings and leisure accessories in the UK and are proud supporters of Doncaster Knights Rugby Football Club.

Norwich born Back rower, Thom Smith signs for the Doncaster Knights from 2022/23 Championship Rugby winners, Jersey Reds for the 2024/25 Season.

Smith is an exciting young signing to bring back into the Doncaster Knights squad. Having started his professional Rugby career for Premiership titans, Leicester Tigers, back in the 2018/19 Season, Smith has gone from strength to strength as he became Leicester’s youngest captain at age 19.

Mid-way through the 2021/22 Season, Smith was released by the Tigers, to where he immediately signed for the Knights (coming off of a loan period to the Knights) and made a very lasting impression around Castle Park, on and off the pitch. While playing for Doncaster, Smith played a total of 2254 minutes, scoring a total of 25 points.

The end of the 2022/23 season saw Smith sign for Jersey Reds, who won the Championship league that season, but unfortunately fell into liquidation right on the cusp of the 2023/24 season opener, leaving Smith without a home team.

Head coach, Joe Ford had a few things to say about Smith’s return,

“People will know Smithy, one of the best people you can have around the environment. Such a positive influence on everyone the last time he was here and we were actually gutted to lose him to Jersey.

He’s been at Leicester, captained them and he’s another player that will add massive value to our squad. As soon as his name came up, we couldn’t sign him quick enough because firstly from what he brings off of the pitch, and importantly, the quality he brings onto the pitch, is so exciting. He’s going to be a massive part of what we’re about next year.”

Smith comes into the Knights squad aged 24, standing at 1.85m and weighing in at 103kg.

Thom Smith is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk

Yorkshire born Fly-half, Morgan Bunting joins the Doncaster Knights from Championship opposition Nottingham for the 2024/25 Season.

Starting his Rugby career over at Hull Ionians in the National 2 North League back in the 2018/19 Season, Bunting quickly made the switch to Yorkshire rivals Rotherham Titans to gain the opportunity to play in the National League 1, where he made 14 appearances and scored over 30 points at the ripe age of 19. During this time, Bunting completed his University studies, playing with Bishop Burton and also captaining the side. At the start of the 2021 Season, Bunting made his professional Rugby debut for Championship outfit Nottingham, where he has been a key member of the squad, putting in a total of 2403 playing minutes and scoring 116 points from 49 appearances.

Head Coach, Joe Ford on Bunting’s arrival,

“He’s a Yorkshireman, which is important to us. We’re very keen to get Yorkshire players playing for a Yorkshire club, it means a lot to them but us as well. He’s got ties to the club with his Dad playing here in the past, and at the beginning of the season he was in brilliant form for Nottingham.

 The exciting thing about Morgan is, there’s a lot more in him. The way he attacks the line, there’s a lot of growth there, his kicking game is really good and he’s tough, again, one that will add a lot of quality to our squad.”

Bunting comes into the Knights squad aged 23, standing at 1.8m and weighing in at 85kg.

Morgan Bunting is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk

Dynamic Hooker, Fred Davies joins the Doncaster Knights from Premiership side, Bristol Bears for the 2024/25 Season.

Davies started out his career in the Northampton Saints Academy, and quickly made the transition into University Rugby. He was later picked up by Pat Lam (Bristol Bears) from BUCS Super Rugby side, Durham University, where he held the title of BUCS Super Rugby player of the year. Davies scored an impressive 22 tries for Durham in the 2021/22 BUCS Super Rugby competition, the competition’s all-time record. Known for his scoring ability and impressive performances, Davies brings a wealth of talent into the Doncaster Knights camp.

This season, Davies has gone on to make 5 appearances for the Bears, playing a total of 137 minutes.

Head coach, Joe Ford states,

“He has gained some invaluable experience while playing at Bristol. He’s captained Bristol and he’s going to come in and add some real competition within the squad and as ever, add great options at hooker for the new season.

He’s worked with Darren Fearn (Doncaster Knights Forwards Coach for the 2024/25 Season) at England students and Darren was very keen to bring him into the side.”

Davies comes into the Knights pack aged 25, standing at 1.86m and weighing in at 110kg.

Fred Davies is available for sponsorship for the 2024/25 season – For more information, please contact Tom Foy at tomfoy@castle-park.co.uk