This season may be as good as over and next season’s expectations tempered by the club’s decision to step back from a full-time professional model, but that has not stopped Doncaster Knights restocking the cupboard for next season.

Three players have signed on for the 2026/27 season at Castle Park, handing the club a huge boost ahead of the penultimate home game against London Scottish today.

Ben Murphy, their captain and a veteran of the past four seasons, was the first to commit for next season, one in which Doncaster will operate a hybrid model by reverting back to part-time hours.

“This season hasn’t gone the way we hoped, but I still believe deeply in this club,” said forward Murphy.

Doncaster Knights Ben Murphy is returning for a fifth season (Picture: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — Doncaster Knights Ben Murphy is returning for a fifth season (Picture: Tony Johnson)

“I am always proud to represent the Doncaster badge and I’m determined to help drive us back to where we belong.”

Homegrown second row / back row forward Adam Hopkinson was the second player to commit his future to Castle Park. The former academy prospect said: “I think as a group this season has been a serious test of character for many reasons and I still really enjoy my time at the club with the players, the supporters and the staff. Which is why I am always so proud to represent this club and to continue doing so under some amazing coaches who can really help progress my game again next season.”

And scrum-half Alex Dolly - who reached 100 appearances this season - has signed on for more. “It’s a club that means a lot and has given me so much,” said Dolly. “So as we move into a new chapter, I look forward to giving it a good crack and hopefully producing the results everyone around the club wants.”

But loosehead prop Andrew Turner has left the Knights, stepping up to the Prem with Harlequins with immediate effect.