Doncaster Knights reveal plans for new Academy partnership with Doncaster College

From September, the most talented rugby players enrolling on courses at Doncaster College’s new Academy of Sport will have a clear pathway to the Knights set-up.

It is hoped in the long term that the partnership will emulate at least some of the success of Hartpury College’s link with Premiership side Gloucester.

Knights’ community rugby manager Lisa Davis said: ““We are hugely excited about the development and future of the Academy of Sport.

“It puts the club in a fantastic position to attract talented young players.

“Having a successful academy system in place can only benefit the club as a whole and I am very excited about the project getting started.”

The Academy of Sport, which will cater for students aged 16-18 and post-18 and offer programs in Sports Science and PE & Coaching, is aimed at developing elite young sportsmen while they study academic qualifications. 
The full time Rugby Development Centre will be based at Castle Park where two Academy sides, coached by Doncaster’s rugby development manager Ants Posa, will play their home games - handing students a chance to catch the eye of Knights coaching staff.

Russ Horsley, Doncaster College and University Centre’s sports academy manager, said: “Students will reap the benefits of a local partnership with a professional club like Doncaster Knights.

“This includes two hours of rugby coaching a day as delivered by the Doncaster RFC coaching team.”

Anyone interested in applying to the Academy of Sport is invited to attend an opening day at Doncaster College and University Centre on January 14 from 3.30-7pm.

For more information contact Russ Horsley on 01302 553972 or email [email protected].