Rugby Club ISSUE 83 | Page 79

Doncaster Knights RC: How would you say the year has gone for the club so far? players to the academy, as well as opening a ladies academy. RY: I can’t really comment on the year as a whole as I have only been in the for this current season. However, I would say it has gone positively. The new AGP pitch and hybrid pitch is a great step for the club, especially the AGP pitch, which is used by the academy side regularly. The academy side has made leaps and bounds and has already seen one player earn a professional contract and another two make appearances for the first team during pre-season and cup competitions. RC: How important is youth rugby to the club? RC: What are your plans for 2019? RY: Our plans for 2019 are to strive to be as high up the table as possible and continue the growth of the club in terms of attracting more young RY: Youth rugby is very important to the club. There are currently several junior sides that play at Castle Park. As mentioned, the academy has produced outstanding performances as they earned promotion last season and haven’t lost yet this season. Our mini/juniors section have sides from U7s to U17s while there are also three girls sides (U13, U15, U18s). RC: How does the club ensure that young players enjoy a smooth transition into the senior game? RY: There is an academy side that plays in the BUCS, University league, and an AOC team in www.rugbyclubmag.com 79