Posted: 24 July 2025
A new chapter in elite sports education for the region has begun as DN Colleges Group (DNCG) and Doncaster Knights RFC officially announce a renewed and expanded partnership aimed at developing the next generation of professional rugby talent.
The strengthened collaboration will see the continuation and enhancement of the Doncaster Knights Academy programme in conjunction with Doncaster College and University Campus Doncaster (UCDon), which has been working alongside the Championship rugby club since 2015. The initiative blends professional-level sport with academic achievement, creating a clear and accessible route for student-athletes to pursue both their sporting ambitions and educational goals.
Based at Castle Park, the home of Doncaster Knights RFC, the Academy offers young athletes the unique opportunity to train in a professional environment while accessing a broad range of academic courses and qualifications from diplomas to degrees at Doncaster College’s and University Campus Doncaster’s city centre campus. The dual-track programme is specifically designed to fit around training, league and competition schedules, allowing students to balance their performance development with their studies.
“All of us at here DNCG are thrilled to renew our exciting partnership with Doncaster Knights RFC,” said a Ben Owen, Vice Principal Business Growth, Skills and Partnerships. “This collaboration provides a professional platform and fantastic opportunity for our students, not just to succeed on the field, but to thrive in education and all areas of life. This truly is a partnership that Doncaster and its wider communities can be proud of.”
The Academy is staffed by current and former Knights players, coaches, and performance staff, giving student-athletes invaluable exposure to elite-level coaching and day-to-day professional routines. Participants can compete in the Association of Colleges (AoC) and British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) leagues and tournaments, offering high-level match experience throughout the academic year.
The academy programme has seen a growing number of players progressing from the Academy to the Knights’ first team in recent years, highlighting the strength of the development pathway. Notable UCDon graduates include Back and Second Row Adam Hopkinson, Scrum Half Will Metcalfe, Prop Calvin Mitchell, and Second Row James Harrison. In addition to elite-level coaching, student-athletes receive comprehensive support, including dedicated academic tutoring, personalised strength and conditioning, and rugby-specific sports therapy.
Doncaster Knights Club President Steve Lloyd added, “The Academy has been instrumental in building the future of our club. We’re proud of the players who’ve come through the ranks and are excited about what this next phase of the partnership will bring. Together with DNCG we’re committed to giving young talent every opportunity to succeed.”
The renewed partnership underscores a long-term commitment to talent development, community engagement, and academic excellence in sport, ensuring that the Doncaster Knights Academy continues to develop as a premier destination for aspiring rugby players nationwide.