Posted: 3 March 2025
The past three years have been an incredible journey for six talented graduates from University Campus Doncaster (UCDon), who have excelled both on and off the rugby field.
These rising stars—Adam Hopkinson (Second Row), Will Metcalfe (Scrum Half), Tom Parkin (Fly Half), Calvin Mitchell (Prop), James Harrison (Second Row), and Sai Tobeyaweni (Centre)—began their rugby careers at the Doncaster Knights Academy while studying for a Sports Science and Coaching degrees with UCDon. Their hard work and dedication have now earned them full-time roles with the Knights‘ First Team and Development squad, marking a major milestone in their careers.
Their passion for rugby started in their school days, and Doncaster Knights Academy and UCDon’s unique study-and-play pathway gave them the perfect opportunity to develop their skills while furthering their education. The Knights saw their potential early on, welcoming them into the Academy system, where they honed their talents through extra training sessions and valuable match experiences.
These experiences haven’t stopped within the last season. The players have had the chance to take their skills to the next level with loan spells and extra game minutes at National Division 2 side Bury St Edmunds RUFC, and even Premiership Rugby club Leicester Tigers. These opportunities helped them grow as players, preparing them for the exciting challenges of professional rugby.
Some of their standout achievements include making their professional debuts alongside Academy Head Coach Tyson Lewis, who has played an impressive 197 matches for the club, and securing the Academy’s highest-ever finish in the BUCS Rugby league.
They’ve also put in top-class performances on the field, earning Player of the Match honours along the way and quickly become a home crowd favourites. In recent weeks, Mitchell, Metcalfe, and Harrison played key roles in Bury St Edmunds’ hard-fought 32-25 victory over Guernsey on Saturday 1st March. Mitchell delivered a standout, man-of-the-match performance, while Harrison’s efforts contributed to a flawless 100% line-out success rate. Scrum-half Metcalfe also made his mark, scoring the home team’s opening try.
Meanwhile, on Saturday 15th February, Hopkinson was named Player of the Match after an outstanding 80-minute display in Bury St Edmunds’ dominant 48-0 win over Caldy at Castle Park. His defensive strength, powerful carries, and precise line-out execution were instrumental in the victory.
Academy head coach Tyson Lewis expressed his pride in their progress, stating, “The club’s Academy graduates continue to go from strength to strength, making a real impact at senior level. It demonstrates our Academy continues to grow and is very much a viable option/pathway for young players to attain their dreams alongside studying an education discipline.”
This inspiring journey highlights the power of hard work, determination, and the support of both University Campus Doncaster and Doncaster Knights. With their bright futures ahead, these young athletes are proving that balancing education and elite sports is the key to success.
Photo credits: Ickledot and Beanstalk Media
