NEWS | Watson Boas returns to the Dons

The Dons are delighted to welcome Watson Boas back to the club.

Boas returned to his native Papa New Guinea following the Rugby League World Cup in late 2022 in order to spend time with his family. Personal family circumstances then ensured the 28-year-old was required to remain in PNG, with no certainty of a potential date for his return to the UK.

During the period of uncertainty, Boas was approached by a club who offered him the opportunity to play in his homeland while taking care of his family.

An agreement was reached between the club and Dons chief executive Carl Hall to allow the scrum half to continue his playing career.

However, it became clear that the PNG club had not fulfilled their commitments to the player and the agreement with the Dons - something which coincided with a change to Boas' personal circumstances and presented him with an opportunity to return to Doncaster.

A productive conversation between Hall, head coach Richard Horne and senior members of the Dons squad led to an agreement being reached for Boas to make his return to the club and continue his contract which runs until the end of 2024.

Boas said: “Earlier this year, I needed to take care of my boys back in PNG and I really didn't know how long that might be for. At one stage I was willing to not play any rugby for two years, which would have been the remainder of my contract, to make sure I could take care of my family.

“I want to make it clear that this was always purely down to my family circumstances. Not at any time did I willingly choose to leave Doncaster for another club. When an opportunity came up over in PNG, I directed that club straight back Carl and Doncaster to make sure things were done correctly.

“Without going into too many details, my personal circumstances changed and I’m delighted to be able to return to the Dons.
"I now want to focus on playing my part in helping the team for the remainder of the season and hopefully securing promotion to the Championship.”

Hall said: “Watson had some personal things with his boys to deal with back in PNG and that brought about a time of uncertainly for him. It opened a door for another club but that has since been closed due to no fault of Watson or ourselves.

"Ultimately we’re delighted that Watson has both sorted his family circumstances out and that he is able to return to help us with our push for promotion this season.”

Club captain Sam Smeaton said: “Myself and the lads welcome back Watson. To have a player of his quality come in to the squad at this stage of the season is great.

"He adds competition for places and genuine quality to the squad. It’s a no brainer.”

Boas will be available for selection in the Dons' next fixture away at Hunslet on Sunday, July 2.