Super League side Hull KR approached for bizarre groundshare proposal

Hull KR may well become part of a bizarre groundshare with a rugby union side.

KR’s Craven Park now holds over 12,000 fans following vital work having been completed all around the grounds.

And, that has appealed to second division rugby union side Doncaster Knights who are set to fight the Rugby Football Union (RFU) on its decision that the South Yorkshire outfit cannot become a Premiership side due to the limited crowd seating at their Castle Park home

The RFU said Doncaster nor third-place Eailng Trailfinders could enter the top league of domestic rugby union because “neither club has successfully met the Minimum Standards Criteria based on capacity (as well as other factors).”

Doncaster’s home ground of Castle Park holds a capacity of around 5,183 with 1,926 seats, which is far below the 10,000 acceptable by the RFU.

But, the Knights have responded stubbornly and determinedly.

“Doncaster RFC are disappointed, dismayed and disheartened by the decision of the Rugby Football Union Board to disallow the club’s application to play in the Premiership league should the Doncaster Knights win the current season’s Championship league contest. The Club will be appealing the decision,” read a statement on Wednesday.

“Within the audit process, the only failure by the Club is to, currently, not be able to demonstrate a capacity crowd of 10,001 at the Club’s ground, Castle Park.

“All other aspects of the audit, it seems are in order and Castle Park has, on a number of occasions, demonstrated its proficiency in hosting significant events via both Women’s and Under 20’s international matches.

“At this stage, it can only be stated that the DRFC Board have every confidence that the required capacity could be delivered for season 2022/23 with a stand-by ground now being available should unexpected delays occur.”

And, Doncaster are refusing to lie down and are reportedly attempting to come to an agreement with Super League club Hull KR, who play their home games at the 12,225-seat capacity Craven Park.

The Daily Mail reported the Knights have their eyes set on ‘short-term tenancy’ with the East Yorkshire. side while work is being carried out to increase Castle Park’s capacity – enough for the RFU to accept their proposal.