Doncaster Knights: Statement on Gallagher PREM promotion

Doncaster Knights have effectively taken themselves out of the promotion equation, admitting the financial leap required to reach the Gallagher PREM is currently beyond them.

While confident of meeting the league’s minimum standards, the Championship club say the spending commitments demanded by the PRB’s finance audit make a 2026/27 application unviable, particularly as they move towards a hybrid squad model next season.

It leaves the Knights, who currently sit in 10th, watching from the sidelines should they top the Champ, though they remain open to future involvement, especially if external investment can underpin a Yorkshire-wide professional presence at the top table.

The full Doncaster Knight statement reads: “Due to the requirements of the audit to enter the Gallagher PREM, further to winning the Champ and the subsequent two-legged play-off against the club which finishes bottom of the PREM, Doncaster Knights (DRFC) will not now be proceeding with their application for season 2026/27.

“As in the previous three years, the Knights have passed the Minimum Standards Criteria (MSC), but the Finance Monitoring Requirements for promotion set by the Men’s Professional Rugby Board (PRB) requires a commitment to significant expenditure to enter the Gallagher PREM.

“With a new hybrid squad structure to operate in the Champ for next season, Doncaster Knights cannot commit to the required spending requirements at this juncture.

“Going forward, however, the Knights will be well positioned to take an interest in the expanded league at the top of the English professional game and will continue to positively engage with PREM Rugby, RFU and Champ Rugby to achieve the club’s ambitions.

“A Yorkshire team making such a move could be achievable with significant third-party investment creating a structure to represent the whole of the biggest county in England, containing the most rugby clubs.

“‘Do it for Yorkshire’ would be a great aspiration and bring further life to the new development ideals of PREM rugby and RFU by making the professional game available to all areas of England. The Knights would be proud to carry that banner.”