A recent statement from Championship Rugby confirmed that Doncaster Knights are eligible for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership if they can secure top position in the Championship league and win the play-offs.
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Championship Rugby’s Official Statement
The Championship Rugby website outlined the criteria in a statement:
“Doncaster Knights has met the Minimum Standards Criteria (MSC) and is therefore eligible for promotion to the Gallagher Premiership. Promotion is subject to coming top of the Championship league at the end of the season and then winning a two-legged home and away play-off against the club finishing bottom of the Gallagher Premiership Rugby table.”
It also added:
“Doncaster Knights were the only Championship club to apply for a MSC audit and is therefore the only club eligible for promotion.”
A Boost for the Championship
This eligibility is a significant moment for the Championship, especially as Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey Reds, both previous winners, were denied promotion in past seasons.
- Ealing Trailfinders were unable to meet the facilities requirements despite winning the Championship in the 2021/22 season.
- Jersey Reds faced a tragic end just after winning the 2022/23 Championship, when they entered financial administration and ceased operations.
Doncaster’s Castle Park Facilities
The Castle Park stadium, home to Doncaster Knights, meets the necessary standards for Premiership inclusion. If they finish first in the Championship and successfully win the promotion-relegation play-offs, they will secure their place in the top flight of English rugby.
Ambitious Transfer Activity for 2024/25 Season
Under the guidance of coach Joe Ford, brother of England international George Ford, the Doncaster Knights have been making notable strides in the transfer market. They have signed 19 players ahead of the 2024/25 season.
New Signings for 2024/25
- Joe Jones – from Scarlets
- Jordan Olowofela – from Nottingham
- Fred Davies – from Bristol Bears
- Morgan Bunting – from Nottingham
- Thom Smith – unattached
- George Wacokecoke – from Newcastle Falcons
- Cory Teague – from Exeter Chiefs
- Zach Kerr – from Newcastle Falcons
- Jasper McGuire – from Saracens
- Logovi’i Mulipola – from Saracens
- Morgan Strong – from Ampthill
- Ben Chapman – from Ampthill
- Taniela Ramasibana – from Perpignan
- Josh Williams – from Cornish Pirates
- Andrew Turner – from Bristol Bears (season-long loan)
- Semesa Rokoduguni – from Montauban
- Arthur Green – from Bath (season-long loan)
- Will Parry – from Bath (season-long loan)
- Telusa Veainu – from Sale Sharks
NIGEL OWENS DREAM RUGBY XV:
Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”