Doncaster confirm seismic decision in changing 'rugby landscape'

Doncaster Knights have confirmed that they will adopt a “hybrid operating model” from next season, as reported by RugbyPass.

The Yorkshire club, who currently sit in 11th place in Champ Rugby at the midway point, will no longer operate as a full-time club from 2026/27, in a decision taken by President Steve Lloyd in consultation with the Board and senior rugby leadership.

In a statement shared by the club, it said the decision “reflects the evolving financial landscape of professional rugby and the club’s long-term commitment to sustainability, competitiveness, and player welfare.”

The new model will see the club operate on a reduced budget, helping players find new careers alongside rugby.

While the club insist they will continue to train and compete in a professional environment, they have said that training times and days will be “reduced and adjusted”.

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The new training structure should, in theory, allow Doncaster to work alongside Gallagher PREM clubs regarding incoming players on loan to strengthen the team.

Despite this seismic change, Doncaster have stressed that their ambitions remain “unabated” as they strive to play at the highest level of English rugby, though this “proactive step” ensures they remain sustainable in “a changing professional rugby landscape”.

The Knights travel south to take on bottom-place Cambridge in the league this Saturday, and are currently 13 points adrift of Hartpury in sixth place and the promotion play-off spots. They are only one league position above the relegation play-off spots currently, although an 11-point cushion stands between them and Richmond.