'Positive direction': Josh Bainbridge backs Doncaster Knights' hybrid future

Doncaster have fallen well short of their promotion ambitions this season and barring a remarkable set of results going in their favour over the last two weeks including earning two bonus-point victories themselves, won’t even qualify for the top-six play-offs.

The club took the decision in January to scale back from funding a professional squad to more of a hybrid model by honouring existing full-time contracts but offering only part-time deals moving forward.

Encouragingly they have had a number of players re-sign for this new existence next season, including Yorkshire-born former Leeds Carnegie and Newcastle Falcons back row Bainbridge.

“I’m thrilled to be staying at Castle Park,” said Bainbridge (inset), whose side head to lowly Caldy for their penultimate game of the campaign today.

“I feel our new model, the club direction and exciting signings will propel the club in a positive direction.

“Let’s finish this season on a high first.”

Former Samoan World Cup prop Logovi’i Mulipola is another to have re-signed for the Knights, along with Jasper McGuire, a player who began the season as a prop but has transitioned into the No 8 role.

Head coach Darren Fearn said: “Jasper has been a standout performer for us this season. His transition from prop to No 8 has been really positive, and with a full pre-season under his belt, he’ll be a real force. His performances attracted interest from a number of Championship clubs, but as a proud Yorkshireman, he was always keen to stay with us.”

And McGuire added: “I’m looking forward to the new chapter and seeing what next season brings.”

Doncaster have also been bringing new players in, announcing this week the signings of hooker Nathan Langdon from National One side Sale FC and centre Harry Yates.

Registered with Champ Rugby table-toppers Ealing Trailfinders, Harrogate-born Yates has spent the last two seasons on loan with Cornish Pirates.