Doncaster Knights busy in transfer market despite lack of head coach
Doncaster Knights may not have a head coach in situ yet following the sudden departure of Darren Fearn to a role in the Newcastle Red Bulls set-up, but that has not stopped the Champ Rugby side announcing a raft of new signings.
Three were introduced to the fanbase last week with head of recruitment Matt Harland taking the lead on assembling a squad for a coaching team led by director of rugby Sir Ian McGeechan, to work with.
Centre Penaia Tagutu joins from Army Rugby Union. A dynamic and powerful midfielder, he combines strong ball carrying with natural Fijian flair, making him a constant threat with ball in hand.
Harland said: “Penaia possesses genuine X-factor and comes highly recommended. From our first conversations, it was clear to see his hunger and excitement to join Doncaster Knights, which is exactly the type of character we want to bring into the club.
“He’s a player with real attacking qualities, and with the standards we set and the quality we have around him, we believe there is another level to his game.”
Next up was second row Ben Glanville who has been plucked out of the University league, BUCS.
Harland said: “Having spent the end of last season training with the Red Bulls, it shows the level of interest there is around Ben and the potential he possesses.
“Ben captained the University of Nottingham and is a player who leads from the front. He has all the qualities we look for.”
And Knights have brought in a centre with experience in playing in Samoa and New Zealand, Tololima Savaiinaea, who joins from Richmond.
His combination of flair, powerful ball carrying, and attacking instincts should make him a constant threat and one of the most dangerous centres in the league.
Harland said: “Lima is a player the fans are really going to like. Lima impressed us last season especially in the game at Castle Park where he caused us a lot of problems defensively.”