Former captain Michael Hills announces retirement as Doncaster Knights confirm 18 departures

Michael Hills. Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Doncaster-born Hills was a mini junior at Castle Park and returned to the club in 2013 following spells with Sale Sharks and London Welsh.

The 35-year-old flanker was an ever-present during Doncaster’s promotion-winning season from National One in 2013/14 and captained the club for the following six years in the Championship.

Hills was among 18 players whose departure from Doncaster was confirmed this week, a list which also included ‘cult hero’ Colin Quigley, fans’ favourite Lloyd Hayes and two-time Knight Steve McColl.

Hills wrote on social media: “It’s that time for me to step away from professional rugby. I feel very lucky to have had 17 years as a professional.

"I have played with and been coached by some amazing people and I have enjoyed the journey from start to finish. Massive thanks to my family, all the players I have played with, all the coaches and fans.

"I had the great honour of captaining my boyhood club Doncaster Knights and they will always be special memories for me. I wish Doncaster all the success in the future. I am excited for the start of a new journey.”

Knights said in a statement: “Captain Michael Hills leaves the club he first joined as a six-year-old after seven seasons and 140 games for the first team. Hillsy skippered the Knights to the play-off finals in a campaign that saw the side make history.

“Colin Quigley is another stalwart that we wave goodbye to after six years at Castle Park. Quigs has gained cult status not only in Doncaster but across the Championship and became synonymous with the Knights’ strong set piece as we reached back to back play-off campaigns in 2016 and 2017.

“Both players will be fondly missed at Castle Park and we hope to see them at a game as spectators in the future.”

Departing players: Cameron Cowell, Colin Quigley, Curtis Wilson (Nottingham), Dan Suter, Fotu Lokotui, George Edgson (Jersey), Jack Roberts (Jersey), Lloyd Hayes, Marc Thomas (Harlequins), Michael Hills, Morgan Eames (Beziers), Penikolo Latu, Rory Pitman, Steve McColl, Tom Calladine (Sheffield Tigers), Tom Hicks (retired), Tom James (Northampton ), Wian Conradie (Dallas Jackals).