Doncaster Knights club captain Matt Challinor signs for 11th season

Matt Challinor has been one of the Knights leading performers since arriving from rivals Rotherham Titans in 2010. Picture: Marie Caley

The forward has made more than 250 appearances for the Knights and became the second Knight to re-sign for the 2020/21 campaign.

“I have been here 10 years, and it’s a club which I think is going forward. The set-up next season and the plans are something I want to be a part of.

“We will aim to be more consistent next season and be further up the table then we currently are.”

The lock also coaches with the club’s academy, which recently won the BUCS Northern 1A title, and was one of the reasons he decided to extend his stay at Castle Park.

“On the rugby side of things it was an easy decision to make, although I am getting to that age now where I have to think about my future, and there were some opportunities,” he added.

“But in the end I am enjoying playing for Doncaster and wanted to continue at the club.”

Steve Boden, who will become head coach at the end of the season, welcomed the news.

“I think he is everything that we want in a Doncaster environment, he

is tough, abrasive and competitive and he is cares for the club,” he said.

“I have known him for many years, having played with him, and he has the characteristics I want Doncaster Knights to be be associated with.”

Tom Calladine is set to leave Castle Park and will join National 2 North side Sheffield Tigers next season.

The back row made 29 appearances since joining for the 2018/19 campaign.

The 30-year-old has also played for Nottingham and Rotherham Titans and is a product of Hartpury University where he won a British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) title.

The annual Doncaster RFC Past Players event, scheduled for the league match with Ampthill on Saturday, April 25 has been postponed.

The club had originally hoped to reschedule the event when the season resumed, but on Friday the RFU confirmed the end of the season for all league, cup and county rugby in England, except the Premiership.

Last week the club said bookings made and paid for will be valid when the event takes place.