York Knights

{{short description|English professional rugby league club}} {{For|the predecessor club dissolved in 2002|York Wasps}} {{For|the women's side|York Valkyrie}} {{Use British English|date=May 2014}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} {{Infobox rugby league club | clubname = York Knights | image = 200px | emblem = | fullname = {{nowrap|York Rugby League Football Club}} | nickname = {{ubl|Knights (Mens team)|Valkyrie (Women's team)}} | web = {{Official website|https://www.yorkrlfc.com/}} | colours = {{leagueicon|York RLFC|16}} amber, black | founded = {{start date and age|2002}} | exited = | readmitted = | ground = York Community Stadium | capacity = 8,500 | ground2 = | ground3 = | ground4 = | chairman = Clint Goodchild | coach = Mark Applegarth<ref name=CSAMFTC/> | captain = | league = Super League | season = 2025 season | position = 1st (Grand Finalists, Runners-up) | homejersey = | awayjersey = | current = 2026 Super League season | clubchampionships = | clubchampionshipyears = | challengecups = | challengecupyears = | premierships = | premiershipyears = | minorpremierships = | minorpremiershipyears = | runnerups = | runnerupyears = | cup1 = | cup1titles = | cup1years = | cup2 = | cup2titles = | cup2years = | cup3 = | cup3titles = | cup3years = | cup4 = | cup4titles = | cup4years = | cup5 = | cup5titles = | cup5years = | points = | cap = | mostcap = | mostpoints = | kit_alt1 = | pattern_la1 = _goldborder | pattern_b1 = _goldhoops | pattern_ra1 = _goldborder | pattern_sh1 = | pattern_so1 = _goldtop | leftarm1 = 000000 | body1 = 000000 | rightarm1 = 000000 | shorts1 = 000000 | socks1 = 000000 | pattern_name1 =  | kit_alt2 = | pattern_la2 = | pattern_b2 = | pattern_ra2 = | pattern_sh2 = | pattern_so2 = | leftarm2 = | body2 = | rightarm2 = | shorts2 = | socks2 = | pattern_name2 =  }}

The '''York Knights''' are the professional rugby league team of '''York RLFC''', based in York, England. The club play their home games at York Community Stadium<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/13634571.Knights__deal_to_play_at_Bootham_Crescent_will_end_before_new_stadium_is_ready___but_has__quot_provision_to_be_extended_quot_/|title=Knights' deal to play at Bootham Crescent will end before new stadium is ready – but has "provision to be extended" |newspaper=The Press |access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> and competes in the Super League, the top tier of British rugby league.

The club, which was founded as the '''York City Knights''', is a phoenix club established after the original York club folded in 2002. The Knights played in blue and white until 2017 when they reverted to the city's traditional home colours of amber and black. The club was renamed as York RLFC in 2022 with the men's team continuing to be known as the Knights and the women's team becoming the Valkyrie.

==History== ===1868–2002: Predecessor=== {{main|York Wasps}} The first club was formed in 1868 as "York Football Club", playing both codes, association and rugby football in different fields as the club did not have their own venue.

When Northern rugby teams broke away from the Rugby Football Union to form their own Northern Union in 1895, York initially stayed with the RFU but in 1901 they joined the new entity.

The original York Wasps folded in March 2002. After a last-ditch take-over deal to save the Wasps collapsed, the RFL accepted the club's resignation on 26 March 2002.<ref name="York Wasps fold">{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/1893826.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=York Wasps fold | date=26 March 2002|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/1980655.stm | work=BBC Sport | title=York wiped from record books | date=10 May 2002|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref>

=== 2002–2003: New club === A supporters' trust working party was formed on 27 March and applied to the RFL to continue the 2002 Northern Ford Premiership fixtures. After hearing it would be impossible to meet requirements to return that season, on 5 May fans backed a proposal for a new club to apply for admittance to the league for 2003.

The RFL accepted York's bid to play in the newly formed National League Two on condition that they had £75,000 in the bank by 31 August. The new club decided that the best way to raise cash was through a fans' membership scheme. Former Great Britain star Paul Broadbent was revealed as player-coach. With the total standing at £70,000, John Smith's brewery came in with £5,000 as the club hit the target just hours before the deadline.

The full name of the new club was revealed to be ''York City Knights RLFC'', following a competition in The Evening Press.<ref name=Hail>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7921115.hail-the-new-knight-life/ |title=Hail the new Knight life |newspaper=The Press |date=11 September 2002 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> Club bosses, in the following month of October, also let the public design a club logo which was based on the New South Wales Rugby League Team's logo, while they picked new colours of blue and white – a move away from York RL's traditional amber and black. John Guildford, majority shareholder of York building firm Guildford Construction, was revealed to be the majority shareholder. They played at Huntington Stadium, where the previous incarnation of York RL played.

===2003–2006: National League 2 and promotion=== The Knights played their first game at home against Hull Kingston Rovers in the National League Cup on 19 January with a bumper crowd of 3,105. In their first year, the Knights finished fourth with 11 wins, a draw and 6 losses. They made the National League Two play-offs but lost 50–30 to Barrow Raiders. Paul Broadbent resigned as coach at the end of the season.

Richard Agar was appointed head coach for the following year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2003/09/20/7899165.King_Richard/?ref=arc |title=King Richard |newspaper=The Press |date=20 September 2009 |access-date=25 November 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202015731/http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2003/09/20/7899165.King_Richard/?ref=arc |archive-date=2 December 2014 }}</ref> They made it all the way to the Challenge Cup Quarter-final, losing 50–12 to Huddersfield Giants.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2004/03/29/7889962.Giants_50__Knights_12/?ref%3Darc |title=Archive – Monday, 29 March 2004: Giants 50, Knights 12 |newspaper=The Press|access-date=20 June 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620210927/http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2004/03/29/7889962.Giants_50__Knights_12/?ref=arc |archive-date=20 June 2015 }}</ref> York also made the semi-finals of the Championship Cup, losing 32–0 to Hull Kingston Rovers. After finishing second in the league, and three points behind Barrow, the Knights entered the playoffs. They lost 37–20 in the qualifying semi final to Halifax and then beat Workington Town 70–10. Mark Cain broke the record for most tries in a match and the score was the highest points tally since the Knights were born. They were narrowly beaten in the play-off final by Halifax 34–30 at the Halton Stadium in Widnes. Agar left York to join Hull F.C. as an assistant coach.<ref name="AgarSeptember2004">{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/super_league/hull/3652240.stm | work=BBC Sport| title=Agar set for Hull role | date=13 September 2004|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref>

York appointed Mick Cook as their new head coach in 2005 as part of a partnership with Super League club Leeds Rhinos.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7872809.knights-cheered-by-fliers-comeback/|title=Knights cheered by flier's comeback|newspaper=The Press|access-date=9 January 2021}}</ref> Cook's side made it to the 5th round of the Challenge Cup losing 62–0 to St. Helens 62–0 at Knowsley Road. At the end of the league season they were champions by three points and were promoted automatically to National League One for the first time. They were now only one tier away from Super League. They had the highest crowd average for National League One teams, of 1,986. York's game against Hunslet on 25 May 2005 drew a crowd of 3,224 which at the time was a record for National League One.

York kicked off their first season in rugby league's second tier, losing 25–18 away at Widnes Vikings. They lost their first seven games before finally beating Oldham 62–0 and then again 15 days later, 54–10. Despite a good late run of form including wins over Whitehaven, Doncaster and Rochdale Hornets, York were relegated back to National League Two at the end of the season culminating in a 60–16 defeat to Leigh Centurions at Hilton Park. York finished second bottom, above Oldham with five wins and thirteen defeats, three points below Doncaster. They did however, win the Fairfax Cup, after beating Batley 14–10 in their first appearance in the York International 9s.<ref name="YP17july2006">{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/836932.Cook_salutes_young_victors/?ref=arc |title=Cook salutes young victors |newspaper=The Press |date=17 July 2006 |access-date=8 December 2016}}</ref>

===2007–2010: Relegation to Championship 1===

2007 was a poor season for the City Knights, finishing sixth in the league with ten wins and twelve losses. There was also a record defeat for York City Knights in the Challenge Cup 5th round losing 74–4 to Huddersfield Giants,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/matchreports/1301246.Huddersfield_74__Knights_4/?ref=arc|title=Huddersfield 74, Knights 4|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> Chris Spurr getting York's sole try. Mick Cook quit as coach at the end of the season to run his business and Paul March was appointed player-coach on a one-year rolling contract in September 2007.

He took York to sixth place again with eleven wins and ten losses. Even though there were three promotion places available (two automatic, one via the playoffs), the Knights failed to capitalise and lost in the playoffs to Rochdale Hornets 12–28. Gateshead Thunder and Barrow Raiders went up automatically, Doncaster went up via the playoffs.

2009 saw the Knights start positively and looked like they could challenge for the title. After a Sky Sports game at home to Oldham, March was sacked in due to disciplinary matters and then director of rugby James Ratcliffe took over.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/4485920.Hunslet_Hawks_swoop_to_land_sacked_Knights_coach_Paul_March/?ref=arc |title=Hunslet Hawks swoop to land sacked Knights coach Paul March |newspaper=The Press |date=10 July 2009 |access-date=3 December 2016}}</ref> The Knights finished third but eventually lost in the playoffs in the semi-final to Oldham 44–14.

Chris Thorman arrived at the club in 2010 as assistant to Ratcliffe but saw himself become acting head coach while Ratcliffe was suspended. The Knights claimed one of their biggest scalps when they defeated Leigh Centurions, who were in the division above, 13–12 in the Northern Rail Cup group stages thanks to a late Thorman drop goal. Ratcliffe returned for the away game at Doncaster and Dave Woods arrived at York as director of rugby in April 2010. Five games later, Ratcliffe was sacked after a 30–36 defeat to Swinton Lions and Woods was named as head coach. York were fifth in Championship 1 at the time after seven wins and six losses in the league. Woods' first game was a 60–12 victory over Gateshead and finished third in the table and thus qualified for the play-offs.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/9280884.Dave_Woods__reign_of_Knights/|title=Dave Woods' reign of Knights|newspaper=The Press|date=30 September 2011|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref> After losing to Oldham, York then beat Blackpool Panthers in the semi-final where they'd face Oldham in the final. On 26 September 2010, the Knights won the Co-operative Championship 1 play-off Grand Final to earn promotion to the Championship. They beat Oldham 25–6 at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. The Knights had finished the regular season 13 points behind their final opponents.<ref name="OR4-25YCK">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/9022605.stm|title = Oldham Roughyeds 4–25 York City Knights |work=BBC Sport| date=26 September 2010|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref>

===2011–2013: Promotion to the Championship===

York finished third-bottom of the Championship in 2011, but bottom club Toulouse were exempt from relegation so, with two going down, the Knights faced demotion along with Dewsbury Rams – until the RFL decided not to admit Crusaders into this division following their withdrawal from Super League, thus earning York a reprieve. Dewsbury were also saved after Barrow Raiders received a points deduction meaning the Knights finished fourth bottom. Just six days later Dave Woods was sacked by the club.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/9280869.print/|title=Chris Thorman takes over as Knights sack coach Dave Woods|newspaper=The Northern Echo|date=30 September 2011|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref>

In 2012, there were no relegation spots available and thus, York decided against strengthening their squad. Chris Thorman was appointed head coach and former Leeds Rhinos full back Jordan Tansey signed for the club on a one-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/16449700|title=York City Knights sign Jordan Tansey on one-year deal|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> York won one league game all season beating Swinton Lions 26–22. Thus York finished bottom of the pile. Chris Thorman announced he would be joining the coaching staff at Huddersfield Giants at the end of the season. He was to be replaced by Gary Thornton who was appointed head coach in 2012 .<ref name="ThorntonJuly2012">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/18743116|title=York City Knights appoint Gary Thornton as coach|work=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2012|access-date=25 November 2014}}</ref>

2013 started off well for the City Knights and looked to be challenging for the playoffs. A run of eleven straight losses at the end of the season and failure to win away in the league since June 2011 saw them relegated back to Rugby Leagues basement tier. They made the 5th round of the Challenge Cup losing 92–8 away at Catalans Dragons. The Knights finished the season seven points from safety with six wins and twenty losses.

===2014–2016: League 1===

York City Knights played in Championship 1, as they finished bottom of the Championship in the 2013 season. Famous wins in 2014 came against Hunslet whom they beat three time, 28–26 away in March, 40–0 at home in May and won the league at the South Leeds Stadium after the comeback was sealed thanks to a Colton Roche Try meaning the Knights won 20–18. They also beat Oldham 54–14 at home. York City Knights topped Championship 1 but lost in the end of season play-offs to Hunslet Hawks, thus failing to secure promotion back the Championship.

Gary Thornton was sacked and was replaced by James Ford for the start of the 2015 season where the Knights are now homeless after John Guildford failed to sign up for the Community Stadium deal. John Guildford has stepped down as Chairman<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11878116.KNIGHTS_STADIUM_ROW__John_Guildford_steps_down_as_York_City_Knights_chairman/|title=KNIGHTS STADIUM ROW: John Guildford steps down as York City Knights chairman|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> and appointed four directors; Stephen Knowles, Dave Baldwin, Neil Jennings and Gary Dickenson, the latter has since stepped down.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11759769.York_City_Knights_appoint_four_new_directors___John_Guildford_remains_as_chairman_but_gives_up_role_in_stadium_talks/?ref=mr|title=York City Knights appoint four new directors – John Guildford remains as chairman but gives up role in stadium talks|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>

On 18 June 2015, York City Knights reserves were kicked out of the reserve league and banned from entering the 2016 competition. The first team still remained homeless.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/13340723.UPDATED__York_City_Knights_reserve_side_expelled_by_Rugby_Football_League/|title=UPDATED: York City Knights reserve side expelled by Rugby Football League|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>

At the end of the 2015 season, York City Knights finished Fourth in League 1 and qualified for the playoffs. They lost out to Swinton Lions 17–16 on the Golden Point<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/matchreports/13787219.MATCH_REPORT__Agony_as_golden_point_drop_goal_sends_York_City_Knights_out_of_the_play_offs___after_they_were_12_seconds_from_victory/|title=MATCH REPORT: Agony as golden point drop goal sends York City Knights out of the play-offs – after they were 12 seconds from victory|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> They were also knocked out in the League 1 Cup second round by Newcastle Thunder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/matchreports/11858763.York_City_Knights_24__Newcastle_Thunder_38/|title=York City Knights 24, Newcastle Thunder 38|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> They reached the fifth round of the Challenge Cup, losing to St. Helens 46–6.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/matchreports/12954382.Battling_York_City_Knights_put_up_a_fight_against_Super_League_champions_St_Helens/|title=Battling York City Knights put up a fight against Super League champions St Helens|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref>

===2016–2018: Closure threat=== thumb|Club logo used for 2018–2022 seasons In July 2016 it was announced the club would not be able to play their first game of the Super 8s against Doncaster at Bootham Crescent due to York City FC playing on the Saturday, meaning that the Knights would have to play midweek due to there having to be 24 hours between games at the stadium. Due to the disputes between the owner and the council, the club directors announced that they would be winding up the club as soon as all necessary legal steps had been taken.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14635086.BREAKING__Final_curtain_seemingly_coming_down_on_York_City_Knights|title=BREAKING: Final curtain seemingly coming down on York City Knights|newspaper=The Press|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/36862507|title=York City Knights: League One rugby league side announce closure|work=BBC Sport|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/News/Article/45986|title=Club Statement – York City Knights RLFC|access-date=21 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726132327/http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/News/Article/45986|archive-date=26 July 2016}}</ref> The following day a joint statement from the club, the RFL and the city council was issued stating "We continue to work to resolve this situation and are hopeful that ways can be found for James Ford and his players to be able to fulfil the remainder of their fixtures this season."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.totalrl.com/york-city-knights-could-still-be-saved-as-city-of-york-council-release-joint-statement/ |title=York City Knights could still be saved as City of York Council release joint statement |date=22 July 2016 |access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref> On 25 July the club owner, John Guildford, announced that he was in negotiation with local businessman, Gary Dickenson, and that the sale would be of a club "virtually debt-free" enabling the Knights to continue to run.<ref>{{cite news |title=York City Knights: League One club could be sold 'in next few days' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/36894584 |newspaper=BBC Sport |date=26 July 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref> however on 23 August Dickenson discontinued the negotiations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gary Dickenson pulls out of talks to take over York City Knights |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/14699823.Gary_Dickenson_pulls_out_of_talks_to_take_over_York_City_Knights/ |newspaper=The Press |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=23 August 2016}}</ref> Following the collapse of the sale to Dickenson, Guildford put the club up for sale to any interested buyer.<ref>{{cite news |title=John Guildford says York City Knights up for sale |url=http://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/2093623/john-guildford-says-york-city-knights-up-for-sale/ |work=Minster FM |date=13 September 2016 |access-date=13 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716121936/http://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/2093623/john-guildford-says-york-city-knights-up-for-sale/ |archive-date=16 July 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The RFL issued a deadline of 1 December 2016 for ownership issues to be resolved and late on 1 December the club issued a statement that ownership of the Knights had passed entirely to a consortium headed by Jon Flatman.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/14941762.Jon_Flatman_consortium_completes_takeover_of_York_City_Knights/|title=Jon Flatman consortium completes takeover of York City Knights|newspaper=The Press |date=1 December 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016}}</ref> The following day the RFL confirmed that the team would be re-instated into League 1 for the 2017 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/14943122.York_City_Knights__to_be_included_in_League_One_fixture_list__for_2017/|title=York City Knights "to be included in League One fixture list" for 2017 |newspaper=The Press |date=2 December 2016 |access-date=2 December 2016}}</ref> In January 2017, it was revealed that the club will play all home fixtures in 2017 and 2018 at York City's Bootham Crescent,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/15020540.york-city-knights-will-be-playing-at-york-citys-bootham-crescent-and-a-big-new-signing-is-announced-too/|title=York City Knights WILL be playing at Bootham Crescent – and a big new signing is announced too|newspaper=The Press|access-date=9 January 2021}}</ref> and that the team colours had changed to amber and black.<ref name=revert>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/15018302.EXCLUSIVE__New_look_York_City_Knights_to_revert_to_York_RL__39_s_old_amber_and_black_colours/ |title=EXCLUSIVE: New-look York City Knights to revert to York RL's old amber and black colours |newspaper=The Press |date=12 January 2017|access-date=12 February 2017}}</ref>

In April 2018, the club broke two 24 year old world records for rugby league when they beat West Wales Raiders 144–0, beating the previous highest score of 142–4 (Huddersfield Giants v Blackpool Gladiators, November 1994) and the previous record margin of 138 points (Barrow Raiders v Nottingham City, 138–0, also November 1994).<ref name="WWR144">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/43942530 |title=York City Knights: League One club secure biggest-ever winning margin of 144–0 |work=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2018 |access-date=29 April 2018}}</ref> At the end of the 2018 season, York were promoted back to the RFL Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/17328207.chairman-hails-stellar-2018-york-city-knights-end-calendar-year-yet-accolades/|title=Chairman hails stellar 2018 after York City Knights end calendar year with yet more accolades|newspaper=The Press}}</ref>

===2018–2025: Back in the Championship=== York finished the 2021 RFL Championship season in 9th place. The following year, the club reached the playoffs by finishing sixth.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/23019616.york-city-knights-2022-season-review/ |title=The York City Knights 2022 season review |newspaper=The Press |date=4 October 2022 |access-date=2 November 2022}}</ref> However, a month before the playoffs began on the 21 August 2022, York suffered a club record 100–4 loss against Leigh.<ref name=leigh100>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/20680487.york-city-knights-fall-record-100-4-defeat-leigh/ |title=York City Knights fall to record 100–4 defeat at Leigh |newspaper=The Press |date=21 August 2022|access-date=15 October 2022}}</ref> In the playoffs, York upset Halifax in the first week to set up another match against Leigh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/22303721.york-city-knights-upset-halifax-26-24-play-off-victory/|title=York City Knights upset Halifax in 26–24 play-off victory|newspaper=The Press |date=18 September 2022}}</ref> On this occasion, York were defeated 70–10 which ended their season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/22639223.york-city-knights-play-off-run-ends-70-10-loss-leigh/ |title=York City Knights' play-off run ends in 70–10 loss at Leigh |newspaper=The Press |date=25 September 2022 |access-date=31 October 2022}}</ref> In the following two years, York would qualify for the playoffs. In 2025, the club enjoyed one of their best seasons finishing top of the table at the end of the regular season and also winning the 1895 Cup. York would play against Toulouse Olympique in the Championship grand final where they would lose 10–8.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/25522209.sylvain-houles-proud-toulouse-beat-york-knights-grand-final/|title=Sylvain Houles 'proud' as Toulouse beat York Knights in Grand Final|website=www.yorkpress.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cm26dp2l3vvo |title=York pip Featherstone in extra time to win 1895 Cup |work=BBC Sport |date=7 June 2025 |access-date=8 June 2025}}</ref>

===2025–present: Promotion to Super League===

Following the 2025 season, in which York finished as League Leaders and runners-up, York were promoted to the Super League for 2026 as a result of the league's expansion to 14 teams, representing a return to top-flight rugby league in the city since the original club's relegation from Division One at the end of the 1985-86 season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Freeman |first1=Jay |title=York and Toulouse to play in expanded Super League |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cly24zvxw3no |access-date=17 October 2025 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 October 2025}}</ref> York started their tenure in the Super League with the best possible start, defeating defending champions Hull Kingston Rovers 19-18 in the opening match of the 2026 Super League season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/match-reports/hull-kr-shocked-york-knights-10812311.amp/|title=Hull KR shocked by York Knights as Rovers lick wounds before Brisbane challenge|website=www.hulldailymail.co.uk}}</ref>

==Stadiums== thumb|The Main Stand at Bootham Crescent, York, photographed in 2015 thumb|The Main Stand at York Community Stadium, York, photographed in 2021 ===2002–2014: Huntington Stadium=== {{Main|Huntington Stadium}} The Knights played their first game at Huntington Stadium on 19 January 2003.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2003/01/20/7914682.Knights_in_shining_ardour/?ref=arc |title=Knights in shining ardour|date=20 January 2003|access-date=20 June 2015 |newspaper=The Press |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620181719/http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/archive/2003/01/20/7914682.Knights_in_shining_ardour/?ref=arc |archivedate=20 June 2015 }}</ref> It had previously been the home ground of York Wasps until they were dissolved in 2002.<ref name="StablerFeb2015">{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/11777707.former-york-rugby-chairman-john-stabler-calls-for-knights-to-be-brought-back-in-to-community-stadium-project/ |title=Former York rugby chairman John Stabler calls for Knights to be brought back in to community stadium project |date=6 February 2015 |newspaper=The Press |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> The capacity was 3,428<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/Page/Content/1954 |title=Stadium |website=York City Knights|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419022510/http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/Page/Content/1954 |archive-date=19 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and the stadium also had an athletics track.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/9844053.huntington-stadium-safety-fears/ |title=Huntington Stadium safety fears |newspaper=The Press |date=30 July 2012 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> The Knights left the stadium at the end of the 2014 season<ref name=Bootham>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/12196/10726563/york-knights-land-deal-to-play-at-bootham-crescent |title=York Knights land deal to play at Bootham Crescent |website=Sky Sports |date=12 January 2017 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> and it was later demolished to allow for the building of York Community Stadium which is on the same site.<ref name="StablerFeb2015"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/11722408.huntington-stadium-demolition-cannot-go-ahead-yet/ |title=Huntington Stadium demolition 'cannot go ahead yet' |newspaper=The Press |date=14 January 2015 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref>

===2015: Elmpark Way=== The Knights were left homeless and were forced to ground share with local amateur team Heworth A.R.L.F.C. for a season until they could find a permanent home.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Martini |first1=Peter |title=Knights to play all remaining home games at Heworth as stadium issues continue |url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/13573179.knights-to-play-all-remaining-home-games-at-heworth-as-stadium-issues-continue/ |newspaper=The Press |access-date=12 May 2019 |date=4 August 2015}}</ref>

===2016–2020: Bootham Crescent=== {{Main|Bootham Crescent}} In 2016 the Knights began ground sharing with York City F.C. at Bootham Crescent.<ref name=Bootham/> The Crescent had a capacity of 8,256 with 3,409 seats and the remaining capacity was standing.

===2021: York Community Stadium=== {{Main|York Community Stadium}} In March 2021 the knights played their first match at York Community Stadium in a pre-season game against Hull F.C. The stadium has a capacity of 8,500.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://yorkcityknights.com/reports/promising-signs-knights-lner-community-stadium-debut/|title=Promising signs for the Knights in LNER Community Stadium debut: Thursday 11th March – pre-season|website=York City Knights|date=15 March 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419035358/https://yorkcityknights.com/reports/promising-signs-knights-lner-community-stadium-debut/|archive-date=19 April 2021}}</ref>

==Club identity and colours== [[File:First York -York RLFC.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|First York bus in 2023 promoting York RLFC's re-branding<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/first-bus-becomes-york-rlfc-partner-for-third-season |title=First Bus becomes York RLFC Partner for third season |website=York RLFC |date=4 May 2023 |access-date=19 October 2023}}</ref>]] In 2002, following the demise of York Wasps, the newly established York club sought a new beginning with a new identity that left behind the difficulties associated with the previous club. The team adopted a blue and white kit rather than the traditional amber and black colours and competitions were held in the local newspaper, ''The Evening Press'', first to choose a new name, York City Knights RLFC, and then to design a club logo.<ref name=Hail/><ref name=tenth>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/9522481.tenth-anniversary-year-of-york-city-knights-2002-2012/ |title=Tenth anniversary year of York City Knights 2002–2012 |newspaper=The Press |first=Peter |last=Martini |date=9 February 2012 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> A club mascot, Norris the Knight, was introduced making his first public appearance in December 2003<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/mainFrame/norris.htm |title=Norris the Knight |website=York City Knights |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121065907/http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/mainFrame/norris.htm |archive-date=21 November 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7894972.joust-the-man/ |title=Joust the man |newspaper=The Press |date=16 December 2003 |access-date=24 February 2026}}</ref> and taking part in the Mascot Grand National in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/944920.good-knight-to-norris/ |title=Good Knight to Norris |newspaper=The Press |first=Peter |last=Martini |date=29 September 2006 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref>

In the 2016 season, with the Knights sharing a ground with York City F.C., they launched an away kit in blue and red; the colours of the football club and proposed colour scheme of the future community stadium.<ref name="big nod">{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/13783911.york-city-knights-unveil-new-strips-for-2016-with-a-big-nod-towards-future-house-mates-york-city/ |title=York City Knights unveil new strips for 2016 – with a big nod towards future house-mates York City |newspaper=The Press |first=Peter |last=Martini |date=25 September 2015 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> However, the club changed ownership in December 2016 and the following month it was announced that both the home and away kits would change to the amber and black historically associated with rugby league in York,<ref name=revert/> and which had previously been used for heritage and away kits.<ref name=tenth/><ref name=BMW/> The club badge initially remained blue and white, but this too would change colour the following year when the 2018 kit launched featuring a new logo that commemorated the 150th anniversary of the original York club.<ref name=revert/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/15750829.york-city-knights-unveil-2018-home-kit-and-squad-numbers/ |title=York City Knights unveil 2018 home kit and squad numbers |newspaper=The Press |first=Peter |last=Martini |date=13 December 2017 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref>

On 14 October 2022, the club announced that it had changed its name to York RLFC as an umbrella term with the men's team continued to be known as the Knights. The women's team became the Valkyrie. Both teams introduced new logos as part of the rebrand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/riseup |title=#RiseUp |website=York RLFC |date=14 October 2022 |access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref>

===Kit sponsors and manufacturers=== {{more citations needed section|date=October 2022}}

{| class="wikitable" !Years!!Kit manufacturer!!Main shirt sponsor |- |2003 || rowspan=2|Kukri || Guildford Construction |- |2004–2005 || rowspan=2|Phoenix Software<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/7898006.phoenix-knights/ |title=Phoenix Knights |newspaper=The Press |date=19 October 2003 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref> |- |2006–2009|| Kooga |- |2010–2011 || Samuri || Guilford Construction (GCL)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/4701436.guildford-construction-ltd-agree-one-year-shirt-sponsorship-deal-with-york-city-knights/ |title=Guildford Construction Ltd agree one-year shirt sponsorship deal with York City Knights |newspaper=The Press |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref> |- |2012 ||rowspan=2|Centurion<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/york-in-kit-gaffe |title=York in kit gaffe |publisher=Love Rugby League |date=21 December 2011 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref> ||Assurant<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/c/york-city-knights-news |title=News: Assurant Become Knights Main Shirt Sponsor |date=17 October 2011 |publisher=York City Knights |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202005901/http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/c/york-city-knights-news |archive-date=2 December 2011}}</ref> |- | 2013 ||rowspan=2| Pryers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/c/york-city-knights-news |title=News: Pryers Become Main Sponsor |date=4 October 2012 |publisher=York City Knights |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115092252/http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/c/york-city-knights-news |archive-date=15 January 2013}}</ref> |- |2014 ||rowspan=3|FI-TA<ref name="big nod"/> |- | 2015–2016|| BMW Cooper York<ref name=BMW>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/11676058.bmw-back-knights-for-2015-drive/ |title=BMW back Knights for 2015 drive |newspaper=The Press |date=18 December 2014 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref> |- |2017 ||DCL<ref name=revert/> |- |2018|| Errea<ref>{{cite web |url=https://yorkcityknights.com/club/knights-turn-brand-new-change-strip-cumbrian-test/ |title=Knights to turn out in brand new change strip for Cumbrian test |website=York City Knights |date=23 February 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=February 2026 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> || MLS Group |- |2019 ||VX3 ||rowspan=3| York St John University<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/york-st-john-university-continue-as-shirt-partner|title=York St John University continue as Shirt Partner!|website=York RLFC|date=19 November 2021|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> |- |2020–21 ||SUPRO<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yorkcityknights.com/club/knights-unveil-2020-kit/|title=Knights unveil new 2020 kit!|archive-date=13 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813053206/https://yorkcityknights.com/club/knights-unveil-2020-kit/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |2022 ||Ellgren<ref>{{cite web|url=https://yorkcityknights.com/club/ellgren-become-new-kit-apparel-partner/|title=Ellgren become new kit & apparel partner|website=York City Knights|archive-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123212911/https://yorkcityknights.com/club/ellgren-become-new-kit-apparel-partner/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |2023 ||rowspan=2|Oxen<ref name=2023shirt>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/2023-shirts-revealed |title=2023 Shirts Revealed! |publisher=York RLFC |date=12 November 2022 |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref> || Fortus<ref name=2023shirt/> |- |2024 || Nutrein<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/nutrein-returns-as-key-partner-for-2024 |title=Nutrein returns as Key Partner for 2024 |publisher=York RLFC |date=27 November 2023 |access-date=12 December 2023}}</ref> |- |2025 || O'Neills<ref name=2025shirt>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/york-rlfc-2025-shirt-unveiled |title=York RLFC 2025 shirt unveiled! |publisher=York RLFC |date=13 December 2024 |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> || Land Rover<ref name=2025shirt/> |- |2026 || DXG<ref name=2026shirt>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/welcome-to-our-new-principal-partner-redmove|title=Welcome to our new principal partner, Redmove! |publisher=York RLFC |date=8 January 2026 |access-date=8 January 2026}}</ref> || Redmove<ref name=2026shirt/> |}

==2026 squad== <section begin=Squad/> {{Rls |squadname=2026 {{colored link|black|York Knights}} squad | BC1=#FFCB2C | FC1=black | BC2=black | FC2=#FFCB2C | source= | date= |list1a={{Rugby league squad player|no=1|name={{flagicon|SAM}} Toa Mata'afa|pos=FB|pos2=WG|pos3=CE}} |list1b={{Rugby league squad player|no=2|name={{flagicon|JAM}} Ben Jones-Bishop|pos=WG|pos2=FB}} {{injured}}  |list1d={{Rugby league squad player|no=4|name={{flagicon|England}} Sam Wood|pos=CE}} |list1e={{Rugby league squad player|no=5|name={{flagicon|AUS}} Scott Galeano|pos=WG|pos2=CE}} |list1f={{Rugby league squad player|no=6|name={{flagicon|Tonga}} Ata Hingano|pos=SO|pos2=SH|pos3=HK}} |list1g={{Rugby league squad player|no=7|name={{flagicon|England}} Liam Harris (GK)|pos=SH|pos2=SO|captain=y}} {{injured}} |list1h={{Rugby league squad player|no=8|name={{flagicon|AUS}} Jack Martin|pos=PR}} |list1i={{Rugby league squad player|no=9|name={{flagicon|England}} Paul McShane |pos=HK|pos2=SH}} |list1j={{Rugby league squad player|no=10|name={{flagicon|Australia}} Paul Vaughan |pos=PR}} {{injured}} |list1k={{Rugby league squad player|no=11|name={{flagicon|England}} Josh Griffin|pos=SR|pos2=CE}} {{injured}} |list1l={{Rugby league squad player|no=12|name={{flagicon|Australia}} Jesse Dee (vc)|pos=CE|pos2=LF}} {{injured}} |list1m={{Rugby league squad player|no=13|name={{flagicon|England}} Jordy Thompson |pos=SR|pos2=LF|pos3=CE}} {{injured}}

|list2a={{Rugby league squad player|no=14|name={{flagicon|Wales}} Denive Balmforth|pos=HK}} |list2b={{Rugby league squad player|no=15|name={{flagicon|Samoa}} Xavier Va'a |pos=PR}} |list2c={{Rugby league squad player|no=16|name={{flagicon|France}} Justin Sangaré|pos=PR}} {{injured}} |list2d={{Rugby league squad player|no=17|name={{flagicon|England}} Kieran Hudson|pos=PR}} |list2e={{Rugby league squad player|no=19|name={{flagicon|England}} Danny Richardson (GK)|pos=SH|pos2=SO}} |list2f={{Rugby league squad player|no=20|name={{flagicon|England}} Oli Field |pos=SR|pos2=CE}} |list2g={{Rugby league squad player|no=21|name={{flagicon|Scotland}} Kieran Buchanan|pos=CE|pos2=WG|pos3=FB}}  |list2i={{Rugby league squad player|no=23|name={{flagicon|ENG}} Jon Bennison|pos=WG|pos2=FB}} |list2j={{Rugby league squad player|no=24|name={{flagicon|England}} Will Dagger|pos=FB|pos2=WG}}

|list3b={{Rugby league squad player|no=27|name={{flagicon|England}} Matty Foster|pos=SR}} {{injured}}    |list3e={{Rugby league squad player|no=31|name={{flagicon|Fiji}} King Vuniyayawa|pos=PR|pos2=SR}}      |list3k={{Rugby league squad player|no=37|name={{flagicon|AUS}} Cody Hunter|pos=SH}} |list3l={{Rugby league squad player|no=38|name={{flagicon|England}} Will Roberts|pos=SO|pos2=SH}}

|list4g={{Rugby league squad player|no=46|name={{flagicon|Serbia}} David Nofoaluma|pos=WG|pos2=FB|pos3=CE}} |list4h={{Rugby league squad player|no=48|name={{flagicon|England}} Tom Inman|pos=HK|pos2=SO}}

|legend1= {{sent off}} = suspended |legend2= {{injured}} = injured |legend3= (GK) = Goal kicker |coach=Mark Applegarth |assistant=Chris Thorman |assistant2=Graham Steadman }}<section end="Squad" />

==2026 transfers== {{unreferenced|section|date=October 2025}}

'''Gains''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Player !! Club !! Contract length !! Date |- | {{rlicon|Australia}} Paul Vaughan || {{Leagueicon|Warrington Wolves|12}} Warrington Wolves || 2 years || 25 July 2025 |- | {{rlicon|England}} Josh Griffin || {{Leagueicon|Wakefield Trinity|12}} Wakefield Trinity || || 12 August 2025 |- | {{rlicon|Australia}} Jordan Lipp || {{Leagueicon|Northern Suburbs Devils|12}} Norths Devils || || 28 August 2025 |- | {{rlicon|England}} Sam Wood || {{Leagueicon|Castleford Tigers|12}} Castleford Tigers || || 13 October 2025 |- | {{rlicon|France}} Justin Sangaré || {{Leagueicon|salford city reds|12}} Salford Red Devils || || Rowspan=2| 14 October 2025 |- | {{rlicon|England}} Jon Bennison || Rowspan=2| {{Leagueicon|St Helens|12}} St Helens || |- | {{rlicon|England}} Will Roberts || || 7 January 2026 |- | {{rlicon|England}} Jack Smith || {{Leagueicon|Leeds Rhinos|12}} Leeds Rhinos || || 15 October 2025 |- | {{rlicon|England}} Danny Richardson || {{Leagueicon|Hull KR|12}} Hull KR || || 21 October 2025 |- | {{rlicon|England}} Matty Foster || {{Leagueicon|oldham|12}} Oldham || || 22 October 2025 |- | {{rlicon|Wales}} Denive Balmforth || {{Leagueicon|Hull FC|12}} Hull FC || Loan until end of season || Rowspan=2| 11 November 2025 |- | {{rlicon|Australia}} Ryan Jackson || {{Leagueicon|Central Capras|12}} Central Queensland Capras || |- | {{rlicon|Australia}} John Sagaga || {{Leagueicon|Penrith Panthers|12}} Penrith Panthers || || 12 November 2025 |- | {{rlicon|NZ}} Nikau Williams || || || 8 January 2026 |- | {{rlicon|Samoa}} Xavier Va'a || {{Leagueicon|Sydney Roosters|12}} Sydney Roosters || 2 years || 9 January 2026 |- | {{rlicon|Fiji}} King Vuniyayawa || {{Leagueicon|Gateshead|12}} Newcastle Thunder || Rolling loan || |- | {{rlicon|Serbia}} David Nofoaluma || {{Leagueicon|Halifax|12}} Halifax Panthers || || 25 February 2026 |}

'''Losses''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Player !! Club !! Contract length !! Date |- |{{rlicon|England}} Connor Bailey || {{Leagueicon|Hull FC|12}} Hull FC || 2 years || 12 September 2025 |- |{{rlicon|Wales}} James Farrar || || || Rowspan=2| 8 October 2025 |- |{{rlicon|England}} Jack Potter || || |- |{{rlicon|England}} Joe Brown || Rowspan=2| {{Leagueicon|Sheffield Eagles|12}} Sheffield Eagles || Rowspan=2| 2 years || 9 October 2025 |- |{{rlicon|England}} Connor Fitzsimmons || 13 October 2025 |- |{{rlicon|England}} Jacob Gannon || || || 27 October 2025 |- |{{rlicon|Wales}} Bailey Antrobus || Rowspan=10| {{Leagueicon|Gateshead|12}} Newcastle Thunder || Rowspan=2| 1 year || 10 December 2025 |- |{{rlicon|NZ}} Sam Cook || 11 December 2025 |- |{{rlicon|ENG}} Joe Law || || 16 December 2025 |- |{{rlicon|WAL}} Jude Ferreira || || 19 December 2025 |- |{{rlicon|ENG}} Brad Ward || || 5 January 2026 |- |{{rlicon|ENG}} Harvey Reynolds || || 8 January 2026 |- |{{rlicon|ENG}} Myles Harrison || || 11 January 2026 |- |{{rlicon|ITA}} Brenden Santi || || Rowspan=2| 14 January 2026 |- |{{rlicon|Tonga}} Ukuma Ta'ai || |- |{{rlicon|IRE}} Jack Brown || || 15 January 2026 |}

==Staff== ===Coaching register=== {{see also|Category:York City Knights coaches}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}} * Paul Broadbent 2003<ref name="AgarSeptember2003">{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/3115734.stm|title=Agar takes York post|work=BBC Sport|date=19 September 2003|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> * Richard Agar 2004<ref name="AgarSeptember2003"/><ref name="AgarSeptember2004"/> * Mick Cook 2005–07<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/16365065|title=Mick Cook ready for new York City Knights challenge|work=BBC Sport|date=30 December 2011|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> * Paul March 2008–09<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8136828.stm|title=Coach March is sacked by Knights|work=BBC Sport|date=6 July 2009|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> * James Ratcliffe 2009–10<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_league/8740005.stm|title=James Ratcliffe sacked as York City Knights coach|work=BBC Sport|date=14 June 2010|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> * Dave Woods 2010–11<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/15112572|title=York City Knights terminate coach Dave Woods' contract|work=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2011|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> * Chris Thorman 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/15116903|title=Chris Thorman appointed York City Knights coach|work=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2011|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref><ref name="ThorntonJuly2012"/> * Gary Thornton 2013–14<ref name="ThorntonJuly2012"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/29415193|title=York City Knights part company with coach Gary Thornton|work=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2014|access-date=19 October 2022}}</ref> * James Ford 2015–22<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/23038732.james-ford-resigns-york-city-knights-head-coach/ |title=James Ford resigns as York City Knights head coach |newspaper=The Press |date=11 October 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref> * Andrew Henderson 2023–24<ref name=HAKHC>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/henderson-appointed-knights-head-coach |title=Henderson appointed Knights Head Coach |website=York RLFC |date=17 October 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022}}</ref><ref name=CSAMFTC>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkrlfc.com/post/club-statement-a-message-from-the-chairman |title=Club Statement: A message from the Chairman |website=York RLFC |date=5 June 2024 |access-date=5 June 2024}}</ref> * Mark Applegarth 2024–<ref name=CSAMFTC/> {{div col end}}

==Seasons==

===League history=== {| |- |valign="top"| *2003–2005: League 1 *2006: Championship *2007–2010: League 1 *2011–2013: Championship *2014–2018: League 1 *2019–2025: Championship *2026–present: Super League |}

===List of seasons=== {{see also|York Wasps#Seasons}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- !rowspan="2" scope="col"|Season !colspan="9" scope="col"|League !rowspan="2" scope="col"|Play-offs !rowspan="2" scope="col"|Challenge Cup !colspan="2" rowspan="2" scope="col"|Other competitions !scope="col"|Name !scope="col"|Tries !scope="col"|Name !scope="col"|Points |- !scope="col"|Division !scope="col"|P !scope="col"|W !scope="col"|D !scope="col"|L !scope="col"|F !scope="col"|A !scope="col"|Pts !scope="col"|Pos !colspan="2" scope="col"|Top try scorer !colspan="2" scope="col"|Top point scorer |- !2003 |National League Two |18||11||1||6||576||381||23 |4th |Lost in Elimination Playoffs |R4 | Championship Cup||GS | | | | |- !2004 |National League Two |18||13||0||5||630||308||26 |2nd |{{N/A|Unknown}} |QF | Championship Cup||SF | | | | |- !2005 |National League Two |18||15||0||3||683||356||30 |style="background:#ddffdd"|1st |Promoted as Champions |R5 |Championship Cup |GS | | | | |- !2006 |National League One |18||5||0||13||476||553||10 |style="background:#ffdddd"|9th |{{N/A|Did not qualify}} |R5 |Championship Cup |QF | | | | |- !2007 |National League Two |22||10||0||12||488||470||36 |6th |{{N/A|Unknown}} |R4 |Championship Cup |L16 | | | | |- !2008 |National League Two |22||11||1||10||740||540||42 |6th |{{N/A|Unknown}} |R3 |Championship Cup |GS | | | | |- !2009 |Championship 1 |18||12||0||6||589||360||40 |3rd |Lost in Preliminary Final |R4 |Championship Cup |QF | | | | |- !2010 |Championship 1 |20||12||0||8||617||524||39 |style="background:#ddffdd"|3rd |Won in Final – Promoted |R4 |Championship Cup |QF | | | | |- !2011 |Championship |20||5||1||14||416||788||19 |8th |{{N/A|Did not qualify}} |R4 |Championship Cup |GS | | | | |- !2012 |Championship |18||1||0||17||272||645||7 |10th |{{N/A|Did not qualify}} |R4 |Championship Cup |GS | | | | |- !2013 |Championship |26||6||0||20||493||727||26 |style="background:#ffdddd"|14th |{{N/A|Did not qualify}} |R5 |Championship Cup |L16 | | | | |- !2014 |Championship 1 |20||17||3||0||738||367||54 |1st |Lost in Preliminary Final |R4 | || | | | | |- !2015 |Championship 1 |22||16||6||0||816||382||32 |4th |Lost in Semi-final |R6 | League 1 Cup||QF | | | | |- !2016 |League 1 |21||12||1||8||618||461||25 |5th |Lost in Semi-final |R5 | League 1 Cup||style="background-color:#DDD"|RU | | | | |- !2017 |League 1 |22||12||1||9||641||460||25 |4th |Lost in Semi-final |R5 |League 1 Cup||L16 | | | | |- !2018 |League 1 |26||24||0||2||1130||308||48 |style="background:#ddffdd"|1st |Promoted as Champions |R5 | || | | | | |- !2019 |Championship |27||19||1||7||612||529||39 |3rd |Lost in Semi-final |R5 |1895 Cup ||QF | | | | |- !2020 |style="background:#C0C0C0;"|Championship{{efn|The 2020 Championship was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Statistics shown are those at time of abandonment and are not official.}} |style="background:#C0C0C0;"|4||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|0||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|0||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|4||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|26||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|102||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|0 |style="background:#C0C0C0;"|13th |{{N/A|None Played}} |R6 | || | | | | |- !2021 |Championship |20||9||0||11||502||477||18 |9th |{{N/A|Did not qualify}} |R6{{efn|Officially round 3 due to the competitions temporary restructure in 2021.}} |1895 Cup ||style="background-color:#DDD"|RU | | | | |- !2022 |Championship |27||18||0||9||677||596||36 |6th |Lost in Semi-final |R5 ||| | | | | |- !2023 |Championship |27||15||0||12||557||557||30 |6th |Lost in Elimination Playoffs |QF |1895 Cup ||SF | | | | |- !2024 |Championship |26||15||0||11||655||473||30 |4th |Lost in Semi-final |R4 |1895 Cup ||SF | | | | |- !2025 |Championship ||24||20||0||4||764||299||40 |style="background:#ddffdd"|1st |Lost in Grand Final |R3 |1895 Cup ||style="background-color:#FE2"|'''W''' | | | | |}

==Honours== '''League''' *Championship *:'''Runners up (1)''': 2025 *:'''League Leaders (1)''': 2025 *League One: *:'''Winners (2)''': 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/northyorkshire/content/articles/2005/09/22/york_city_knights_2005_doco_feature.shtml |title=The Knights 'York and Proud of it' |website=BBC |date=22 September 2005 |access-date=25 October 2022}}</ref> 2018<ref name=crowned>{{cite news |url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/16897784.york-city-knights-beat-whitehaven-to-be-crowned-betfred-league-one-champions/ |title=York City Knights beat Whitehaven to be crowned Betfred League One CHAMPIONS |newspaper=The Press |date=23 September 2018 |access-date=25 October 2022}}</ref> *:'''Runners up (1)''': 2004 *:'''League Leaders (2)''': 2014,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/match-centre |title=Match Centre |publisher=Rugby-League.com |access-date=19 May 2023}}</ref> 2018<ref name=crowned/> *:*League One Play Off Final: *::'''Winners (1)''': 2010

'''Cups''' *RFL 1895 Cup: *:'''Winners (1)''': 2025<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cm26dp2l3vvo |title=York pip Featherstone in extra time to win 1895 Cup |work=BBC Sport |date=7 June 2025 |access-date=8 June 2025}}</ref> *:'''Runners up (1)''': 2021<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/35751/featherstone-rovers-win-ab-sundecks-1895-cup |title=Featherstone Rovers win AB Sundecks 1895 Cup |publisher=Rugby-League.com |date=17 July 2021 |access-date=19 May 2023}}</ref> *League 1 Cup: *:'''Runners up (1)''': 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/29679/ |title=Keighley win iPro Sport Cup |publisher=Rugby-League.com |date=28 May 2016 |access-date=19 May 2023}}</ref>

==Records== ===Individual scoring records=== *'''Goals:''' 21: Connor Robinson at West Wales, 11 August 2018<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/16413236.york-city-knights-set-another-world-record-massive-win/ |title=York City Knights set another WORLD RECORD with massive win |newspaper=The Press |date=11 August 2018 |access-date=4 January 2024}}</ref> *'''Tries:''' 7: Kieren Moss ''v.'' West Wales 29 April 2018<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/16193816.hull-kr-ace-kieren-moss-record-breaking-7-try-haul-plus-future-loan-york-city-knights/ |title=Hull KR ace Kieren Moss on record-breaking 7-try haul plus future on loan at York City Knights |newspaper=The Press |date=30 April 2018 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref> *'''Points:''' 56: Chris Thorman ''v.'' Northumbria University, 6 March 2011 – 4 tries and 20 goals<ref name=Thorman>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/8893803.records-tumble-as-york-city-knights-trounce-students-132-0/ |title=Records tumble as York City Knights trounce students 132–0 |newspaper=The Press |date=7 March 2011 |access-date=24 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/31094/ |title=Challenge Cup: First Round wrap-up |publisher=Rugby-League.com |date=28 January 2017 |access-date=28 April 2023}}</ref> *'''Try scoring streak''' 10: Jack Lee in 2014<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/yorkcityknights/diary/11429433.Phenomenal_Lee_to_sheer_power_of_TEN/?ref=rss|title=Phenomenal Lee to sheer power of TEN|newspaper=The Press|date=23 August 2013|access-date=21 July 2016}}</ref> *'''Goals in a season:''' 186: Connor Robinson in 2018<ref name=crowned2018>{{cite web|url= https://yorkcityknights.com/reports/knights-crowned-champions-whitehaven-win/ |title=Knights crowned champions after Whitehaven win: Sunday 23rd September – League 1 |website=yorkcityknights.com |date=24 September 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117082404/https://yorkcityknights.com/reports/knights-crowned-champions-whitehaven-win/ |archive-date=17 January 2021}}</ref> *'''Points in a season:''' 420: Connor Robinson in 2018<ref name=crowned2018/>

===Team records=== *Biggest win: *:144–0 ''v.'' {{leagueicon|canberra|16}} West Wales (at Bootham Crescent, 29 April 2018)<ref name="WWR144"/> *Biggest defeat: *:100–4 ''v.'' {{leagueicon|leigh|16}} Leigh (at Leigh Sports Village, 21 August 2022)<ref name=leigh100/>

===Attendance records=== *Bootham Crescent: 4,281 ''v.'' {{leagueicon|Bradford|16}} Bradford (18 February 2018)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/sport/16034281.we-will-continue-build-this---york-city-knights-chairman-jon-flatman-record-breaking-start/ |title='We will continue to build on this' – York City Knights chairman Jon Flatman on record-breaking start |newspaper=The Press |date=20 February 2018 |access-date=6 November 2023}}</ref> *York Community Stadium: 8,000+ ''v.'' {{leagueicon|hull kr|16}} Hull Kingston Rovers (12 February 2026)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/64565/super-league-enjoys-eye-catching-round-one-success |title=Super League enjoys eye-catching Round One success |publisher=RFL |date=16 February 2026 |access-date=23 February 2026}}</ref>{{efn|Attendance of 8,000 given in Super League report - "Ecstatic York fans in a crowd of 8000 at an electric LNER Community Stadium" and "their biggest-ever crowd at LNER Community Stadium",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.superleague.co.uk/article/5809/super-league-enjoys-eye-catching-round-one-success |title=Super League enjoys eye-catching Round One success |website=Super League |date=16 February 2026 |access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref> sources also reported match as a sell-out - capacity is 8,500<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/super-league-attendances-two-games-post-five-figure-crowds-as-round-one-sees-records-smashed |title=Super League attendances: Round 1 records tumble with two huge 15,000-plus crowds |website=Love Rugby League |date=16 February 2026 |access-date=23 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.superleague.co.uk/article/5805/round-1-round-up |title=Round 1 Round Up |website=Super League |date=15 February 2026 |access-date=18 March 2026}}</ref>}}

==See also== *New York Knights

==Notes== {{noteslist}}

==References== {{Reflist|2}}

== External links == {{commons category}} * {{Official website|https://www.yorkrlfc.com/}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110215080940/http://www.yorkcityknights.co.uk/fans-forum Official York City Knights Fans Forum]  {{York RLFC}} {{Super League}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:York Knights}} Category:York Knights Category:Super League teams Category:2002 establishments in England Category:Rugby league teams in England Category:Rugby clubs established in 2002 Category:Sport in York