Doncaster Knights v Bedford Blues – Welcome boost for Steve Boden as key pair stick around

STICKING AROUND: Doncaster Knights' Sam Olver. Picture Tony Johnson

Full-back Billy McBryde and fly-half Sam Olver have both agreed new deals ahead of the next Championship campaign.

They have each contributed heavily to the South Yorkshire club’s excellent season, in which they have won six of their seven league games so far, their only defeat coming against Saracens.

Doncaster sit in second place ahead of Bedford’s visit, intent on continuing their fine form with just three regular rounds now remaining.

GOOD NEWS: Doncaster Knights' head coach, Steve Boden. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

Head coach Steve Boden said: “I am really happy to be able to retain Sam.

“He’s become an integral part of our team with all the characteristics that are expected of a Doncaster Knight.

“His game is growing week on week and the exciting thing is I don’t believe we have seen the best of him yet.

“Billy is a highly-valued member of our team.

“He brings a great calmness to our back line and adds very valuable leadership.

“Billy has fitted in extremely well and has been a huge driver of standards within our environment.”

Olver, 26, initially joined on loan from Ealing Trailfinders in 2018-19 but made his move permanent last season and has now made the No10 jersey his own.

McBryde was one of Boden’s first signings as head coach when he was brought in from North Wales’ RGC 1404.

Boden said: “We are now at the business end of this unique Championship season and to have produced the results we have to date is something that this group of players deserve great credit for.

“We have two weekends off after this game but our main focus is to look no further than playing Bedford Blues.

“We need to win all the individual battles and work on all the one per cents to get a performance we’re proud of against a very dangerous Bedford side.

He makes just two changes to his starting XV with Irish lock Jerry Sexton coming in for the injured Matt Smith.

Also, Charlie Foley returns at centre in place of James Newey who is named among the replacements. Back-row Jack Rouse could debut having joined on loan from Ealing Trailfinders and taking a place on the bench.

Bedford have not won at Castle Park since 2012 and not won on the road this term.

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