Experienced flanker Michael Hills has dropped a division to help his hometown team “bounce back to where they belong”.
The versatile 27-year-old has agreed to join Knights after leaving relegated Premiership outfit London Welsh.
Doncaster born Hills, who played junior rugby at Castle Park, represented England Sevens during a six-year stint at Sale.
“I grew up in Doncaster and played at Castle Park from six-years-old until Colts level,” said Hills.
“I owe a lot to my Mini Junior coaches here and have a lot of fond memories of the place.
“The club is close to my heart and I have always kept my eyes on how Doncaster have faired over the years so when an opportunity to come back with an exciting new challenge presented itself I was delighted to accept.
“The set-up, supporters and people behind the scenes here are other factors that really attracted me to the club.
“I have been speaking to the coaches this week and I really like the attitude and determination there is to make the Knights bounce straight back to the Championship.
“Hopefully we can return winning rugby to Castle Park and deliver the supporters with what they want to see.”
Hills made 19 appearances for London Welsh in the Premiership last season.
He will fill the void left in the back-row following the retirement of mainstays Chris Planchant and Andy Boyde.
“I hope my experience, along with that of the other senior players, can prove beneficial at the Knights,” said Hills.
“I have been at clubs that have been under the cosh, like London Welsh this year, and when the chips are down you need the right attitude and experience which is something I feel I have.
“I also think that the skills I have learnt from playing in the Premiership, with England Sevens and at the top of the Championship can hopefully have a positive effect on the team.
“I’m really looking forward to bringing what I have to the club and building a successful side on the field to gain promotion back to where we belong.”