1st XV News

Bedford Blues are hoping to take a good following of supporters, as always, to the British & Irish Cup Semi-Final against Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday 21st April at Vallis Way (Kick Off 3pm).

Many supporters will of course be making their own way to the much-anticipated fixtures, but Bedford Rugby Followers Association are also running coach travel with a later return departure time of 6:15pm so fans can stick around with players for the last away fixture of the season.

It was something of a Jekyll and Hyde performance for Bedford at Hartpury College on Saturday afternoon, but the Blues had enough in the tank to secure a bonus point win thanks to a try deep into stoppage time.

Bedford had safely led 0-19 at the interval, but three second half scores - all converted - for Hartpury had given the home team the lead as the clock turned red. But you can never count the Blues out, and a patient build-up from a scrum led to Howard Packman pinning back his ears to race over and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Bedford Blues return to league action this weekend with their first trip to Hartpury in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Following on from a hard fought win over Ulster A in the quart-final of the British & Irish Cup, attention returns to the Championship as the Blues look to finish the season as strongly as possible.

While the Blues picked up a bonus point 33-7 win when the two teams met at Goldington Road back in November, they know that they can expect a bruising encounter against Hartpury on their home turf.

Bedford Blues are delighted to confirm their first new signings for next season in two forwards who are already very familiar with Goldington Road.

Heading back to Bedford Blues will be Northampton Saints hooker Charlie Clare, who played for the Blues between 2013 and 2016, as well as Blackheath prop Hayden King who represented the Blues Academy.

Speaking about the new signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: "It is a pleasure to welcome both Charlie and Hayden back to Goldington Road and into the Blues family once again.

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that three more members of the current squad have signed new deals to keep them at Goldington Road next season.

Following on from last week's re-signings, the Blues are pleased to confirm that fly-half Harry Sheppard, utility back Rich Lane and second row Will Carrick-Smith have all extended their stays with the club.

Speaking about the news, Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: "It is fantastic to have secured the services of these three talented individuals for another season and I'm really looking forward to continuing working with them.