James Henry Donaldson (born 14 September 1991) is an English former professional rugby league footballer who last played as a and for Bradford Bulls in the RFL Championship.
Donaldson, a Challenge Cup winner, previously played for the Bradford Bulls in the Super League, and on loan from Bradford at the Dewsbury Rams in the Championship. He played for Hull Kingston Rovers in the Super League and the Championship, and on loan from Hull KR at the York City Knights in League 1.
Background Donaldson was born in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England.
Donaldson subsequently attended Whitehaven School.
Playing career He primarily plays as a , but he can also play in the .
Early career He played a key role in the 2007 Rugby League European under-16's Championships, where Whitehaven School represented England.
Donaldson was much sought after as a junior and signed for the Bradford Bulls, despite offers from many other top clubs.
A , Donaldson hails from Cumbria and he has played for the famous Wath Brow Hornets amateur side.
Senior career Bradford Bulls Donaldson played for the Bradford Bulls between 2009 and 2014.
Statistics Season Appearance Tries Goals F/G Points2009: Bradford Bulls720082010: Bradford Bulls1400002011: Bradford Bulls1200002012: Bradford Bulls200002013: Bradford Bulls1920082014: Bradford Bulls2500002023: Bradford Bulls10000Total8040016
Dewsbury Rams Donaldson appeared for the Dewsbury Rams in the 2013 rugby league season, as part of the Bradford Bulls' dual-registration partnership with the club.
Statistics Season Appearance Tries Goals F/G Points2013: Dewsbury Rams41004Total41004
Hull Kingston Rovers Donaldson joined Hull Kingston Rovers ahead of the 2015 Super League season.
He represented the club in the 2015 Challenge Cup Final.
Donaldson suffered relegation from the Super League with Hull Kingston Rovers in the 2016 season, due to losing the Million Pound Game by the Salford Red Devils.
In the Good Friday Championship league clash against Featherstone Rovers on 14 April 2017, Donaldson unfortunately suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury in Hull Kingston Rovers' 30–22 victory at Craven Park.
Donaldson (currently injured at the time), was part of the Hull Kingston Rovers' side that won promotion back to the Super League, at the first time of asking following relegation the season prior, securing automatic promotion through the 2017 Qualifiers process.
Donaldson made his long-awaited return from his ACL kneeinjury on 15 March 2018, in a Super League fixture against the Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers ran-out 6–38 victors, with James featuring from off the interchange bench.
It was revealed on 10 October 2018, that Donaldson would be departing Hull Kingston Rovers following a restructure of the club's on field personnel.
Statistics Season Appearance Tries Goals F/G Points2015: Hull Kingston Rovers2600002016: Hull Kingston Rovers20400162017: Hull Kingston Rovers11900362018: Hull Kingston Rovers212008Total78150060
York City Knights Donaldson appeared on only one occasion for the York City Knights on 11 March 2018, four-days later he made his long-awaited return to the Hull Kingston Rovers' fold, following his long-term ACL knee injury that he sustained the season prior.
Donaldson scored for the York City Knights on a single dual-registration appearance, in a 22–24 victory over Oldham.
Statistics Season Appearance Tries Goals F/G Points 2018: York City Knights11004Total11004
Leeds Rhinos It was revealed on 6 December 2018, that Donaldson had been handed a trial at the Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2019 campaign.
Donaldson was subsequently given a chance to "prove his worth" to new Leeds Rhinos Head Coach David Furner, in all hopes of earning a contract at the club on a permanent basis.
On 8 January 2019, after a successful trial, Donaldson signed a one-year contract with the Leeds Rhinos.
Donaldson made his Leeds Rhinos' début on 2 February 2019, in a 26–6 round 1 Super League defeat against the Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Donaldson scored his first try for the Leeds Rhinos on 19 April 2019, in a 38–18 victory over the Huddersfield Giants.
It was announced on 12 September. Donaldson would be staying at Leeds until 2021.
On 17 October 2020, he played in the 2020 Challenge Cup Final victory for Leeds over Salford at Wembley Stadium. On 24 September 2022, Donaldson played for Leeds in their 24–12 loss to St Helens RFC in the 2022 Super League Grand Final.
Bradford Bulls (re-join) On 20 August 2024 it was reported that he would re-join Bradford Bulls in the RFL Championship on a 3-year deal.
On 22 December 2025 he announced his retirement as a professional
Statistics Season Appearance Tries Goals F/G Points 2019: Leeds Rhinos141004Total141004
References
External links
Leeds Rhinos profile Hull KR profile Bradford Bulls profile SL profile SL Stats profile