Josh Bainbridge joins Doncaster Knights from Falcons
Flanker Josh Bainbridge signs with Doncaster Knights for 2025–26 season.
©Steve Haag
Josh Bainbridge, the seasoned flanker currently with Newcastle Falcons, has signed a deal to join Doncaster Knights ahead of the 2025–26 RFU Championship season.
At 29, Bainbridge brings a wealth of experience, physicality, and leadership to a Doncaster side looking to strengthen its forward pack.
Hailing from the North East, Bainbridge began his rugby journey with grassroots clubs in Middlesbrough and Guisborough.
He rose through England’s age-grade ranks, representing the national side at Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, and Under-20 levels.
Professionally, he made his name at Yorkshire Carnegie, followed by strong stints at Jersey Reds and Coventry before signing with Newcastle Falcons in 2023.
Over two seasons with the Falcons, Bainbridge made ten appearances, establishing himself as a reliable and hardworking presence in the back row.
Doncaster Knights’ coaching staff have expressed high enthusiasm over the signing. The forwards coach welcomed Bainbridge’s return to Yorkshire, praising his toughness and compatibility with the team’s playing style.
Discussions about the club’s vision and goals reportedly resonated with Bainbridge, reinforcing the mutual alignment.
The club's recruitment team also highlighted that Bainbridge had long been on their radar due to his performances both in the Championship and the Premiership.
His playing style was described as "hard-hitting and hard-working," fitting perfectly with the ethos Doncaster aims to build around — a gritty, forward-driven team grounded in Yorkshire values.
Bainbridge is also expected to contribute to leadership within the squad, further enhancing the team’s already formidable forward group.
A Career Marked by Consistency and Growth
At Yorkshire Carnegie, he made 79 appearances and scored 115 points between 2014 and 2019.
His move to Jersey Reds saw him add 28 more games and 15 points to his name between 2019 and 2021.
With Coventry, he notched up 44 appearances and scored 55 points from 2021 to 2023.
At Newcastle Falcons, his contributions included ten appearances across two seasons.
