doncaster knights

Doncaster Knights have announced that they will face Canada in a prestigious pre-season friendly at Castle Park.
Clive GriffithsClive Griffiths
Clive Griffiths

The Canadians’ ‘A’-team will visit Doncaster on Saturday, August 20, as part of a three-match series that will see the Canucks also face Ulster Ravens and Glasgow Warriors.

The touring team will be comprised of 28 players selected from the Canadian Rugby Championship – the country’s flagship domestic regional competition.

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Knights director of rugby Griffiths is a former senior men’s defence coach for Canada.

“I am delighted to welcome an international team to Castle Park for the first time since Holland played here many seasons ago,” Griffiths said.

“I have fond memories of setting up RGC 1404 in North Wales with the Canadian and Welsh Unions.

“The Churchill Cups and the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand are particular highlights as well as the flights to and from Canada via Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Moscow, Zurich, Singapore, New York, Chicago and Toronto! I thought I was on a World Tour.

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“I am relishing facing a tough Canada side in our first home fixture of pre-season.”

Knights’ pre-season opener will see them face Premiership heavyweights Newcastle Falcons on August 13 at Kingston Park.

The club has also confirmed that they will host National One outfit Darlington Mowden Park on August 27.

Griffiths said: “We enjoy good links with Newcastle as seen with the dual-registration of lock Glen Young. It will be the toughest start to a pre season we’ve have had for some time.

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“Darlington Mowden Park will arrive with great ambition and confidence for the new season and will expect to upset the applecart a week before the start of the season proper. Both sides will want to go in to their respective campaigns a week later with a good performance and a win.”