Doncaster Knights defy current situation to make additions to playing and coaching staff

Knights’ players and staff are currently on furlough as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Championship clubs were already coming to terms with a significant funding cut by the RFU before the lockdown.

But that has not prevented the Castle Park club cracking on with preparations for next season.

Australian utility back James Kane has signed a one-year deal having starred for Sydney University and most recently represented NSW Country Eagles in the National Rugby Championship.

The 24-year-old is English qualified having been born in Ascot.

Former Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks fly half Joe Ford has agreed a two-year deal to become the club’s new backs coach, replacing Francis Cummins.

Ford became player-head coach at troubled Yorkshire Carnegie last summer but departed in January to concentrate on business activities away from rugby.

Prop Robin Hislop has also agreed a two-year contract extension.

Incoming director of rugby Steve Boden said on Kane: “James is a fantastic signing for us, we’ve done plenty of research on him and, first and foremost, I’m confident we’re getting a good team man. His ability to make good decisions under pressure and read the game a step or two ahead is what brought James to our attention – he’s a very smart footballer.”