Fenton makes first-team debut as Knights face Edinburgh

Doncaster Knights announced their squad to take on United Rugby Championship side Edinburgh in a pre-season clash at the Hive Stadium, Edinburgh, on Friday 19th September, with academy centre Lonny Fenton handed his first senior appearance.

The 20-year-old centre, a student-athlete at University Campus Doncaster (UCDon) and member of the Doncaster Knights Academy Programme, is in the final year of his Physical Education and Sports Coaching degree, and his selection is a testament to his progress in both his studies and rugby development, and makes him the seventh UCDon student-athlete in recent years to earn a Knights first-team debut.

Fenton’s inclusion highlighted once again the strong partnership between University Campus Doncaster and the club, providing pathways for young players to combine education with elite-level sport. Adam Lloyd, Programme Leader in Physical Education and Sports Coaching, praised the young centre’s commitment.

“Lonny is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through commitment to both study and sport,” said Lloyd. “He is excelling in his degree while continually pushing himself in the rugby environment. An opportunity like this is a credit to his work ethic, and we’re all incredibly proud to see him step up.”

Friday’s fixture and 33-43 in a high-scoring victory was the first of a home-and-away double header with the Scottish outfit. After the trip north, Edinburgh will travel to Castle Park on Friday 26th September for the return encounter.

For Fenton, the prospect of running out against strong opposition again represents a huge milestone and a taste of life at the professional level, as the Knights build towards the start of their RFU Championship campaign this October.