Doncaster Knights statement: Steve Boden

Doncaster Knight have confirmed that they have parted ways with Director of Rugby Steve Boden with immediate effect.

The move comes despite Doncaster sitting in fourth on the RFU Championship table. The Knights have been undergoing something of a squad rebuild under Boden, but now they'll have to continue their progress without him.

A short statement reads: "Doncaster RFC and Steve Boden, Director of Rugby, have parted company with immediate effect, for Steve to pursue other opportunities. The Board of DRFC wish Steve the very best for the future."

It's a move that's something of a shock, with Boden having led the Knights to their highest-ever league finish - second - in season 2021/22. It is expected that Joe Ford - brother of England ace George - will take over the reins in the meantime.

Boden played just shy of 200 games for Doncaster before moving into coaching after finishing his playing career with a stint at the now-defunct Jersey Reds.

On Saturday the RFU set a deadline to progress plans for a revised Championship in England. There has been much debate over the future of the tier-two league following the recent financial collapse of three Gallagher Premiership clubs – Worcester, Wasps and London Irish – along with the 2022/23 Championship champions Jersey Reds.

“Between now and Friday, March 29, the RFU and the Championship will work together to further agree on the detail within the minimum operating standards (MOS), establish a governance structure for the league, confirm the number of teams in the league and discuss promotion/relegation mechanics within the structures," the RFU said in a statement.