Doncaster Knights gear up for Saracens clash

Doncaster Knights make their long-awaited return to action on Saturday (3pm) when they welcome three-time European champions Saracens to Castle Park in the Trailfinders Challenge Cup.
Matt ChallinorMatt Challinor
Matt Challinor

The two teams were drawn in separate pools for the truncated Championship season which is scheduled to start in March.

But they go head to head this weekend for what will be a baptism of fire for new Doncaster head coach Steve Boden and his revamped squad.

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Saracens, relegated from the Premiership for breaching salary cap rules, were humbled by Ealing Trailfinders in the tournament’s opening game last weekend, losing 27-26 at Vallis Way.

England back-row Billy Vunipola was included in Saracens’ starting XV but several of their international stars did not feature.

This weekend’s match will be played behind-closed-doors and will be available to watch online.

Knights’ last game was on March 14 against Coventry. They returned to pre-season training in November.

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Stalwart Matt Challinor told the club’s website: “The lads are really excited. You want to test yourself against the best and hopefully we get the chance to do that with some of their personnel.

“There’s a lot of hard work going into preparing for this season with the goalposts moving all the time and now we’ve got a date that we can work to and we’re really looking forward to it.

“It’s a young and hungry squad we’ve got here. It’s something Bodes wanted in his recruitment and I think he’s got that.”