Bedford Blues

2010-11 FIXTURES

We are pleased to announce our fixture list for the forthcoming season.

This season brings two home clashes with England's Autumn Internationals so the club will be trialling a 4:30pm Kick Off time, with Goldington Road open in good time for fans to watch the International match here prior to the Blues Match.

There is one Six nations clash with England v Italy which is currently listed at 3pm on 12th Feb 2011. This will be reviewed following the Autumn internationals.

The Season begins at home on a bank holiday weekend with Plymouth visiting us on Saturday 28th August. The Blues will host a family fun day for this match with details to be released soon.

Boxing Day see's Bristol in Town and with the success of last seasons Bristol fixtures coupled with the large crowds for previous Boxing day matches, supporters are advised to buy their tickets well in advance.

Day	Date	Opposition	Kick Off	H/A	Comp
Fri	13-Aug	Northampton	7:45pm	Home	Friendly
Tue	17-Aug	Saracens	7:45pm	Home	Friendly
Sat	21-Aug	Rosslyn Pk	3pm	Away	Friendly
Sat	28-Aug	Plymouth	3pm	Home	Champ
Sun	05-Sep	Rotherham	2pm	Away	Champ
Sat	11-Sep	Esher	3pm	Home	Champ
Sat	18-Sep	Doncaster	2:30pm	Away	Champ
Sat	25-Sep	Moseley	3pm	Home	Champ
Sun	03-Oct	Bristol	3pm	Away	Champ
Sat	09-Oct	Pirates	3pm	Home	Champ
Sat	16-Oct	Worcester	3pm	Home	Champ
Sun	24-Oct	Nottingham	3pm	Away	Champ
Sat	30-Oct	Ldn Welsh	3pm	Home	Champ
Sun	07-Nov	Birmingham	3pm	Away	Champ
Sat	13-Nov	Rotherham	4:30pm	Home	Champ
Sat	20-Nov	Esher	3pm	Away	Champ
Sat	27-Nov	Doncaster	4:30pm	Home	Champ
Sat	04-Dec	Moseley	3pm	Away	Champ
Sat	11-Dec	Ulster	3pm	Home	B&I Cup
Sat	18-Dec	Neath	2:30pm	Away	B&I Cup
Sun	26-Dec	Bristol	3pm	Home	Champ
Sun	02-Jan	Pirates	2pm	Away	Champ
Sat	08-Jan	Worcester	3pm	Away	Champ
Sat	15-Jan	London Welsh	3pm	Home	B&I Cup
Sat	22-Jan	Swansea	2:30pm	Away	B&I Cup
Sat	29-Jan	Nottingham	3pm	Home	Champ
Sat	05-Feb	London Welsh	2pm	Away	Champ
Sat	12-Feb	Birmingham	3pm	Home	Champ
Sat	19-Feb	Plymouth	2pm	Away	Champ
Sat	26-Feb	Moseley	3pm	Home	B&I Cup
Sat	05-Mar	B&I Cup QF			B&I Cup
Sat	12-Mar	PO pool			Champ
Sat	19-Mar	PO pool			Champ
Sat	26-Mar	PO pool			Champ
Sat	02-Apr	PO pool			Champ
Sat	09-Apr	PO pool			Champ
Tue	19-Apr	Barbarians	7:45pm	Home	Friendly
Sat	16-Apr	PO pool			Champ
Sat	23-Apr	B&I SF			B&I Cup
Sat	30-Apr	Champ SF			Champ
Sat	07-May	B&I Final			B&I Cup
Sat	14-May	Champ Final			Champ
Sat	21-May	Champ Final			Champ

SAFETY FIRST AT GR

Fans who attend matches at Goldington Road know that they are in safe hands after 30 stewards, supervisors and ground staff completed their NVQ Level Two in Spectator Safety.

Throughout last season the group spent what free time they had taking part in the initiative which was started by Bedford Blues Safety and Ground Manager Pete Beard, Safety Officer Duncan Muirhead. The programme was also supported by the Rugby Football Unions Safety Officer Association and Telford College of Arts & Technology.

The Blues become the first Championship club to have 100 percent of their stewards holding the NVQ level 2 certificate in Spectator Safety. Steward Supervisors and Safety Officers will now aim to go on to study for the level three and four qualifications.

Speaking about the achievement Pete Beard said: “The Blues, like many rugby clubs around the country, rely on our stewards and ground staff to ensure that things run smoothly off of the pitch while the action takes place on it.

“We have a team of extremely dedicated staff who gave up their time to learn new skills in spectator safety and we hope that this will help Goldington Road to remain a safe place to visit for home and visiting supporters.

“I’d like to thank everyone for taking part in the initiative while also congratulating them for successfully completing the course. We are only a few weeks away from the start of a new season and I’m sure that everything will run smoothly with our new graduates."

PRE SEASON STARTS WITH A SPLASH AND A NEW KIT

Bedford Blues players may have only returned to training a few weeks ago, but they are gearing up for their first public appearance of the season, when they turn out for the Bedford River Festival this weekend.

The Blues will be the star local attraction at the RFU rugby arena located on Russell Park between the Mayor tent and funfair.

Also on show will be the Blues brand new Home shirt for the new season. Pre orders will be taken so this will be your chance to be one of the first to own the new kit.

Within the main arena the players will be running skills clinics & coaching sessions alongside numerous demonstrations. There will also be inflatable activities for everyone to have a go at from scrum machines and assault courses to a line out wall and a tackle unit.

Bedford Blues have also announced a fantastic offer for fans wanting to come along and enjoy the pre season friendlies. Last month the club announced that they would be welcoming Premiership outfits Northampton Saints and Saracens to Goldington Road on the 13th and 17th August respectively with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Tickets for the game cost £10, but fans can buy a reduced rate ticket which covers both of these matches for just £15.

Bedford Blues Chief Executive Andy Irvine said: “We’ve had some cracking games against the Saints over the last couple of seasons and I’m sure that the Friday night encounter will be the perfect start to the weekend and a chance for us to try and get one over on our neighbours.

“It is also a pleasure for us to be able to host the Premiership finalists Saracens at Goldington Road. I hope that plenty of our dedicated fans, along with those who may not have been before, take advantage of our special offer to come along and watch two fantastic Premiership sides pit their wits against our lads for only £15. I’m certain that we are in for two fantastic evenings of entertainment at Goldington Road.”

Tickets for the games will be available from the club between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or via the club website www.bedfordrugby.co.uk. For more information call 0871 871 1886

RAYER HONOURED BY UNIVERSITY

Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer donned his Mortarboard, gown and hood on Tuesday morning as he was awarded an honourary Master of Science degree by the University of Bedfordshire for his achievements in Rugby.

Rayer said: “It was a little bit out of the blue to hear I’d been awarded this honour but it was a really pleasant surprise. It’s great that my parents, my wife and my children were all here to see it. Bedford is my adopted town as I’ve been here for seven years in total now.”

Rayer is hopeful the links between the rugby club and the University will be strengthened in future years.

He said: “We’ve already got healthy links with the University as we’ve used the Alexander Sports Centre and the sports science labs in the past, and some of the students play in our sides.

“It can only be right that two of the biggest organisations in Bedford try to work a lot closer together in the future.”

BLUES ALL GEARED UP FOR TRAINING

The full Championship season may have only finished a month ago, but Bedford Blues players and coaches are all set to return to training this weekend in preperation for another gruelling campaign.

New fitness coach Jamie Bain has already given the lads their targets for the summer and after recharging the batteries, everyone is ready for the season ahead.

Director of rugby Mike Rayer said: "Jamie, who has spent the last year working under former Wales Strength and conditioning coach Mark Bennett at the Ospreys, has come on board and I’m looking forward to some new ideas.

“We saw against Exeter just how important strength and fitness is in our league. They were as strong and powerful as any team I have seen in our division and I include the likes of Harlequins and Northampton Saints in that.

“We are in the tough situation that we only train three times a week and we have a bridge to gap but I bet that the players are all bored out of their minds and champing at the bit to get back into training.

“I think that the target Jamie has is to get that little bit extra out of everyone. We know that all the teams in our league are very physical and we have to be prepared for that. We need to make sure that we have that extra one percent from everyone in the squad.”

The Blues are also reminding fans that time is running out to claim a discounted season ticket for the 2010/11 Championship.

If you order your spot in the crowd before June the 30 then you could save up to £167 on a family ticket, £112 on a child's stand ticket, £87.50 on adult tickets and £55 on concession tickets.

Other benefits to buying a season ticket include:

Season Ticket Price Freeze! Plus ticket Includes 1 extra match, 17 Games for the Price of 16! (11 League, 3 Playoffs, 3 B&I Cup)

Bring a friend for Free – Each Season Ticket Holder has ONE EXTRA VOUCHER to allow them to bring along a friend and introduce them to Goldington Road at a game of their choice! (subject to availability in Charles Wells Stand)

Half Price Kids in Charles Wells Stand – Buy any Adult Season Ticket & all subsequent U16 season tickets purchased cost JUST HALF PRICE at only £112! (proof of age required)

FREE Hospitality Lunch - Season Ticket holders (excluding U16 ground entry) who PURCHASE prior to the 30th June are entitled to book a lunch in the marquee free of charge during the 11 league fixtures. ( Subject to availability & confirmation of season ticket at least 4 days prior to match)

10% Discount from all purchases in club shop when showing a valid season ticket

International tickets - Season ticket holders can apply for international tickets.

For any queries please contact the club on 0871 871 1886 or email info@Bedfordrugby.co.uk

Click here for info

Click here to download application form

LOOKING BACK AND FORTH

The season may have only finished four weeks ago, but Bedford Blues are already preparing for the second Championship campaign with the players returning to training next Saturday.

Director of rugby Mike Rayer took time out of his busy schedule to talk to about the past 12 months and what lays ahead in what is sure to be another exciting season.

“Looking back I have to say that it was an unsatisfactory end to the season for us. We got thumped in Exeter and that wasn’t easy to digest. The only thing that helped is that they went on to win the play-offs and gain Premiership status.

“We went to Sandy Park looking for a win but we came down with a thud and the injury to Luke on the day really compounded things. The season was a new experience for us and I think that we have learnt a lot.

“We’ve moved on since then and everything is in place for this season. Jamie Bain, who has spent the last year working under former Wales Strength and conditioning coach Mark Bennett at the Ospreys, has come on board and I’m looking forward to some new ideas.

“We saw against Exeter just how important strength and fitness is in our league. They were as strong and powerful as any team I have seen in our division and I include the likes of Harlequins and Northampton Saints in that.

“We are in the tough situation that we only train three times a week and we have a bridge to gap but I bet that the players are all bored out of their minds and chomping at the bit to get back into training.

“I think that the target Jamie has is to get that little bit extra out of everyone. We know that all the teams in our league are very physical and we have to be prepared for that. We need to make sure that we have that extra one percent from everyone in the squad.”

So far the Blues have recruited hooker Joe Clark from Plymouth, winger Handré Schmidt from Cambridge and second row forward Sean Tomes from Exeter although Rayer still has his eye on other players to bring to Goldington Road.

“I’ve looked at our squad and where we need to strengthen up a bit and I believe Sean will add plenty to our second row. He will add balance to the pack with weight and he’s got plenty of experience having played for Newcastle, Newport Gwent Dragons and the Chiefs. He didn’t play a lot of rugby last season, but now he’s got the chance to put a marker down.

“Handré is not a youngster but I liked what I saw of him when we played Cambridge last year and what I saw of his performances in the league. It’s not easy scoring 30 tries in the league he was in but he also puts in a huge amount of work around the field and that’s what we want.

“I was really impressed with Joe’s performances against us last season and we need a bit more competition at hooker. Dan Richmond shouldered a hell of a lot last season and Chris Locke suffered a bit with his confidence and a lack of experience. Joe offers plenty in the scrum and around the field. He was keen to come to us and we are glad to have him here.

“Elsewhere we are in need of a loosehead prop and that is a priority for us at the moment. We will have some dual registered players with us which will certainly be an added bonus but we won’t be over reliant on them.”

Last week the Blues announced three mouth-watering pre-season fixtures against Northampton Saints, Saracens and Rosslyn Park who won promotion to National Division One this year.

“The season is starting on 28 August and we have arranged some very tough friendlies. Two of the Premiership’s top teams will be coming along to Goldington Road and then we round it off with a trip down to Roehampton where Rosslyn Park will be looking to take our scalp in a reverse of last years friendly. Although the timescale isn’t ideal I’d say that as a squad we will be battle hard and ready for the Championship kick-off the following week.”

But the real business starts at the end of August and Rayer knows that there will be no easy games yet again this term.

“This is going to be another tough year for us. We know that Worcester are going to be up there and it’ll be interesting to see how Bristol look, but you also have to look at teams like London Welsh who have been recruiting a strong squad over the summer months. Cornish Pirates are also assembling a good team and we saw at the end of last season that they are heading in the right direction.

“Rotherham should never have been in the bottom four. They had one of the best packs in the league and I don’t think that we’ll be seeing them down there this season and I don’t think that Moseley will want to be caught down there again. It’s also great to see Esher back in the league. They are a good example of what a rugby club should be and they were very unfortunate to go down the previous season.

“But the longer that you are in a job, the tougher it gets. There is always an expectation and it is essential that we have a good squad in place and keep injuries down to a minimum during the campaign. August to May is a very long season especially when the lads are laying their bodies on the line week-in week-out.

“Being realistic is the key though. We won’t be changing our style of play too much, but players have come in who want to play and want to be successful. We’re not going to win every single game but we have to believe that we will win the next one.”

2010-11 SEASON STRUCTURE

The season will follow the three stage system of the 2009-10 season - 22 Rounds (Stage 1, see below), six Play-Off rounds (Stage 2) followed by semi-finals and a double-legged final (Stage 3).

Clubs finishing in the top eight will go into two promotion pools of four and based on their ranking will start with points as a reward for their record during Rounds 1-22. The 1st ranked team will have three points, the 2nd two, the 3rd one and the 4th none.

Clubs finishing in the bottom four will go into one relegation pool and will carry forward one point for every game won in Rounds 1-22.

RFU Tournament and Competitions Director Terry Burwell said: "The inaugural RFU Championship season produced some exciting rugby with more television exposure than ever before at this level thanks to the RFU's five-year agreement with Sky Sports, culminating in a thrilling climax in the pool and knockout stages.

"We have reviewed the season in conjunction with the Championship clubs and developed a structure which rewards teams for their record throughout 22 rounds of the regular season but retains the excitement of the Play-Offs."

Geoff Irvine, Chairman of the Championship Clubs, added: "We are excited about the second season of the Championship and feel that the changes made reflect the desire of the clubs to have some incentive which can be carried forward to the Play-Offs."

The transfer deadline for signing players ahead of the Play-Offs has been extended by two weeks until Friday, January 28, prior to Round 19.

In addition, clubs may not play or select as a replacement in a match more than six England Academy players and loan players, of which no more than three shall be loan players.

The 2010-11 RFU Championship

12 clubs - Bedford Blues, Birmingham & Solihull, Bristol Rugby, Cornish Pirates, Doncaster Knights, Esher, London Welsh, Moseley, Nottingham Rugby, Plymouth Albion, Rotherham Titans, Worcester Warriors

Stage 1 (22 matches, starting weekend of August 28)
* all teams playing 22 matches (11 home & 11 away)
* 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 bonus point for either a) scoring 4 or more tries or b) losing by 7 points or less
* top 8 teams from league progress to promotion play-offs
* teams 9-12 from league progress to relegation play-offs

Promotion Play-Offs - Stage 2 (6 matches)
* promotion play-off matches March 12, 19, 26 to April 2, 9, 16
* 2 pools of 4 teams playing 6 matches (3 home & 3 away)
* teams finishing 1, 4, 5 & 8 from league play in Pool A and will be ranked 1 to 4
* teams finishing 2, 3, 6 & 7 from league play in Pool B and will be ranked 1 to 4
* the 1st ranked team in each pool will start the Play-Offs with three points, the 2nd two, the 3rd one and the 4th none
* 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 bonus point for either a) scoring 4 or more tries or b) losing by 7 points or le
* after 6 pool matches, top 2 teams from Pools A & B progress to semi final and then the winners to the final

Relegation Play-Offs (6 matches)
* relegation play-off matches scheduled for March 12, 19, 26 - April 2, 9, 16
* 1 pool of 4 teams playing 6 matches (3 home & 3 away)
* each team will carry forward one point for every game won in Stage 1.
* 4 points for a win, 2 for a draw, 1 bonus point for either a) scoring 4 or more tries or b) losing by 7 points or less
* after 6 pool matches played, lowest ranked team is relegated to National Division One (level three)

Knockout games - Stage 3 (3 matches)
* semi final draw - 1st Pool A v 2nd Pool B & 1st Pool B v 2nd Pool A
* semi finals April 30
* final May 14 & 21(TBC subject to broadcast rights holders Sky Sports).
* winner of Championship final promoted to Guinness Premiership subject to fulfilling entry criteria

PRE-SEASON FIXTURES

Bedford Blues can confirm that they have arranged three pre-season friendlies before the real business of the second Championship season begins.

The 2010/11 season is sure to be a long and bruising affair for the entire squad but the Blues are squeezing in three tough encounters in just eight days in preparation for the year ahead.

On Friday evening, 13 August, Northampton Saints will be making the relatively short journey to Goldington Road in a return fixture of the friendly that took place at Franklins’ Gardens last August. This fixture is always a thrilling affair with several players from both sides pitting their wits against their former employers.

The following Tuesday evening, 17 August, Bedford are set to face Premiership finalists Saracens at Goldington Road in what is sure to be a crunching encounter. Sarries took the Premiership by storm last season as they put an impressive unbeaten run together at the start of the season before making it through to the showpiece final only to be defeated by Leicester in a cracking match at Twickenham.

The final friendly sees the Blues travelling down to London on Saturday 21 August to face Rosslyn Park in another return fixture from last August. The Roehampton side won promotion from the fourth tier of rugby last season and will be keen to put on a good display when Bedford come to town. Kick-off is 3pm.

Looking ahead to the games director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “I think it will be fair to say that we are going to learn a lot about our squad during these three matches. We will also have the opportunity to rotate players and get a good idea of what combinations work and what ones may not.

“Everybody knows that the Championship is a long season especially with the inclusion of the British and Irish Cup. Hopefully by packing in the pre-season fixtures, we allow the lads to be fresh as they head into the year ahead.

“We have two of the biggest Premiership sides coming to Goldington Road and I’m sure that our fans will be just as excited about this game as the players. We faced Rosslyn Park before last season and they gave us a great game. They have had a cracking season and I’m sure that they are going to be just as hard a challenge as the Premiership duo.”

Full ticket details to follow.

INJURY UPDATE

Bedford Blues preparations for the start of the Championship season have been dealt a slight blow after it was revealed that new signing Robin Boot will be out of action for two to three months.

Boot, who signed on with the Blues earlier this month, suffered an injury on the training field and a scan has revealed that the loosehead prop has ruptured his bicep.

Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “This is obviously a big disappointment for Robin who has been working so hard in preparation for the new season.

“It is a dent in our preparations, but the main thing is that Robin gets the treatment and rest that he needs to come back even stronger in a couple of months.”

The Blues were already a prop down prior to Boot’s injury after Sam Walsh had an operation on his shoulder during the summer, but the impressive number one is training hard to be fit for a return in September.

Dan Richmond also had a minor operation in the off-season, but the hooker is already back in full training and ready for the season opener. Ben Lewitt, who suffered an ACL injury in the play-off game at Bristol last season, is also recovering well and is expected to be back in action in late October or early November.

SQUAD NEWS

Bedford Blues and Saracens have confirmed that seven English Academy players will be joining the Goldington Road club on dual registration for the coming 2010/11 Championship season.

The Blues will be welcoming back the likes of James Short, Owen Farrell, Jake Sharp, George Kruis and Will Fraser, while also welcoming promising youngsters Luke Baldwin and Jackson Wray.

Baldwin is a highly rated 19 year old scrum half who will provide plenty of competition for the number nine shirt. Number Eight Wray, also 19, recently featured in the Junior World Cup and has already featured in the Saracens first team in the EDF Energy Cup against the Scarlets in 2008.

Second row forward Kruis made two appearances in England’s U20 RBS 6 Nations campaign and also featured in the recent World Championships off the back of an outstanding season for Saracens Storm in the Guinness A League.

Farrell, 18, who can play in the centre or at fly half, made a debut for the Blues in the British and Irish Cup against London Welsh last season coming off the bench and converting a penalty. Also debuting in the same game was pacey winger Short who showed an explosive turn off pace that cut the Exiles defence to shreds.

Fly half Sharp, 19, is another player who played for the Blues last season and he will provide competition for Myles Dorrian at 10 while 6ft 2ins tall Fraser offers even more fire power in the back row.

Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer said: "We are delighted to welcome back a number of Saracens’ youngsters who we know very well, as well as a couple of potentially exciting players who will all play an important role in the Championship season.

"Our relationship with Saracens has developed very well and dual registration offers us and them the chance to help develop promising young English players. All these players know full well that they have to cement a starting place in the Blues team before they can push for a place in the Saracens side.

"There is no doubt that these guys are talented players, we hope they can go on and reach their full potential. These signings will certainly raise the bar amongst the squad we have already put together.”

Brendan Venter, Saracens Director of Rugby, said: “We are eager for our outstanding young players to play as much rugby as possible, and we are delighted to have secured an excellent partner in Bedford. Our Academy is rightly admired around the country, and we believe this arrangement will work well for both clubs.”

This currently gives the Blues a squad line up listed below:

Luke	Baldwin
Tom	Bedford
Robin	Boot
Phil	Boulton
Brendan	Burke
Will	Chudley
Joe	Clark
Ollie	Dodge
Myles	Dorrian
Owen	Farrell
Will	Fraser
Gregor	Gillanders
Chris	Goodman
Sacha	Harding
Mike	Howard
Goerge	Kruis
Ben	Lewitt
Chris	Locke
Laurance	Ovens
James	Pritchard
Alex	Rae
Dan	Richmond
Handre	Schmidt
Dan	Seal
Jake	Sharp
James	Short
Duncan	Taylor
Sean	Tomes
Paul	Tupai
Ian	Vass
Darryl	Veenendaal
Sam	Walsh
Nick	Walshe
Jackson	Wray

OVENS TO RAISE THE TEMPERATURE

Bedford Blues are close to completing their squad for the 2010/11 Championship season after signing loosehead prop Laurence Ovens from Premiership outfit Newcastle Falcons.

Much like the proverbial bus, the Blues had been hoping to sign a new number one in the off-season but now they have two. Having already secured the services of Robin Boot the Blues have now added 24-year-old Ovens to the Goldington Road roster.

Prior to moving to Newcastle at the start of the 2009/10 season, Ovens had learnt his trade with Bath where he made his first team debut as an 18-year-old in the 2004 Heineken Cup.

The six foot one prop who tips the scales at 17 stone ten pounds spent five seasons with his hometown club before making the move to Kingston Park where he played 15 times, scoring two tries along the way.

Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “Laurence has come to us with a glowing reference from Nick Walshe and Chris Goodman who both enjoyed playing with him when they were at Bath.

“We tried to sign Laurence last year on Nick’s recommendation before he moved to Newcastle so I am delighted that he has chosen to join us this season.

“Laurence's signing significantly adds further quality and depth to the squad. Competition for starting places is exactly what we want and from what I've seen so far in training there are going to be some pretty intense battles for their respective jerseys.”

Blues fans will be able to get their first glimpse of the new look squad when they face Premiership outfits Northampton Saints and Saracens in pre-season friendlies at Goldington Road on Friday 13 August and Tuesday 17 August respectively.

Bedford Blues have announced a fantastic offer for fans wanting to come along and enjoy both of these games. Tickets for each encounter cost £10, but fans can buy a reduced rate ticket which covers both of these matches for just £15.

Tickets for the games will be available from the club between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or via the club website www.bedfordrugby.co.uk. For more information call 0871 871 1886.

BLUES GET THE BOOT

Bedford Blues have bolstered their pack with the signing of Welsh prop Robin Boot. This completes their fifth new signing of the summer, after recently agreeing terms with the former London Welsh prop.

The 26-year-old joined Welsh midway through last season from French side Graulhet, but didn't make his first start until the final game of the campaign.

Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer was delighted to capture the former England U18 player, who has also played for Bristol, Newbury along with French teams USS Tyrosse and Vannes.

He said: "Robin was a fringe player at London Welsh last season, but he's a loose head prop, which is something that we have needed.

"He has caught our attention for a while and we had some good reports on him when he was out in France.

"We're maybe looking to add another prop too, as it's an area that always needs strengthening.

BEDFORD MOVES TO BEDFORD

Bedford Blues have made a fourth signing in the close season with the capture of Tom Bedford from Premiership bound Exeter Chiefs.

The 21 year old, who has represented England at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 19 levels, can play in the centre or on the wing. Standing just over six feet tall and weighing in at 94 kg Bedford offers the Blues yet another option in an already impressive attacking side.

Director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “Tom didn’t get to play as many games as I’m sure he wanted to last season and despite a lot of interest in him, I am delighted that he has decided to join us.

“We know what Tom can bring to the table having impressed against us in previous seasons and his ability to play at centre or on the wing will give us some extra options. I'm convinced Tom will make a major impact this season and he is chomping at the bit to re ignite his career.

“He has been at Exeter throughout his career which also includes stints with the junior England set-ups and I’m sure that he will fit in well with our style of play.”

Bedford becomes Rayer’s fourth summer signing having already captured hooker Joe Clark from Plymouth, winger Handre Schmidt from Cambridge and second row Sean Tomes from Exeter Chiefs.

This brings the current squad up to 25 in number with 20 of the squad having re signed, plus Myles Dorrian who is in the middle of a two year deal.

HOOKER CLARK IS THIRD NEW FACE

The building process for the second Championship season has continued with Bedford Blues announcing the signing of Plymouth Albion Hooker Joe Clark.

Joe, who has represented England at Under 18 level, came through the Gloucester Academy before turning out for Cambridge University. He has also spent time with Alghero RFC in Italy and Newbury before making the move to Devon at the start of last season.

Standing at just over six foot tall and tipping the scales at the 17st 9lb mark, Clark is a mobile number two who is more than willing to muck in and get the job done and was a key element of the organised Plymouth pack that could grind it out with the best packs in the Championship.

Bedford Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer said: "During our fixtures against Plymouth this season, Joe has been the stand-out player and I am delighted that he has agreed to make the move to Goldington Road.

"Hooker is a key position and it is vital that we have cover, but it is also important to have competition for places and I believe that Joe, Dan Richmond and Chris Locke all battling it out for the number two shirt will only be a good thing for us next season."

SCHMIDT SIGNS ON AT GR

Bedford Blues are pleased to confirm the signing of Cambridge’s highly rated winger Handre Schmidt.

The South African moved to West Renault Park from Hertford in 2008 and proved to be an impressive acquisition. Although he may have played second fiddle to Luke Fielden during his first season with Cambridge, he showed his class the following year by running in 30 tries to be crowned National Division One’s top try scorer.

Before moving to England the 29 year old scientific advisor represented Stellenbosch University, Western Province and South Africa Amateurs

Although a move to Goldington Road had been rumoured for some time, Schmidt finally put pen-to-paper this week and is looking forward to moving up a level and showing the Championship what he can do.

“I had a pretty good season at Cambridge and then I got a call about two weeks ago telling me that Bedford were interested. I came along and met Mike who said that he had been keeping an eye on me and the move came around quite quickly.

“I’m a very happy chappy to be making the move to Bedford and I can’t wait to play in front of the Blues fans at Goldington Road.

“I’m also looking forward to Bedford’s style of play of getting the ball down the line quickly. That is what I have been used to at Cambridge and it was team effort that helped me score 30 tries last season.

“I’ll definitely be giving it my best when I come to Goldington Road.”

Director of rugby Mike Rayer also expressed his delight at capturing Schmidt: “You only have to look at the stats book to see what Handre is capable of and I have no doubt that there was a lot of interest in him.

“I’m delighted that he has chosen to join us at Goldington Road and I am sure that our fans will not be disappointed when they see him in action.”

FIRST NEW SIGNING CONFIRMED

Bedford Blues have continued their building for the 2010/11 season and are pleased to announce the signing of Exeter Chief lock Sean Tomes.

The 25-year-old is the son of Scotland international Alan Tomes and has previously played for Newport Gwent Dragons and Newcastle Falcons while also spending time on loan at Doncaster during the 2007-8 season.

Standing at six foot six inches tall and weighing in at 120kg, Tomes is certain to make a huge impression in the Blues pack.

Speaking about the signing, director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “Sean has plenty of experience in the Premiership, Magners League and the Championship and I’m delighted that he has agreed to make the move to Goldington Road.

“It is important that we identified areas that needed strengthening and we hope Sean will have a massive impact on the squad.”

Rayer also confirmed that four more players have agreed to extend their stay at with the club. Captain and hooker Dan Richmond, fellow number two Chris Locke, scrum half and backs coach Nick Walshe and number nine Darryl Veenendaal are all set to remain at the club.

Rayer added: “We have now secured the services of 20 of the current squad and that’s very pleasing. There is still plenty of work to do however, and we are working hard behind the scenes to bring as much quality into the club as possible.”

EIGHT MORE SET FOR NEW DEALS

An octuple of Blues stars have agreed new one year deals to remain at Goldington Road for a further season.

Following the news that Ollie Dodge, Ian Vass, Mike Howard, Paul Tupai, Sam Walsh, Dan Seal, Will Chudley and Duncan Taylor had all agreed to sign on for a second Championship season, eight more stars are poised to put pen-to-paper.

Forwards Sacha Harding, Ben Lewitt, Chris Goodman, Gregor Gillanders, Alex Rae and Phil Boulton are all set to sign on the dotted line while centre Brendan Burke and fullback James Pritchard are also preparing to extend their stay at the club for another 12 months.

Speaking about the re-signings, dirctor of rugby Mike Rayer said: "We are obviously delighted that eight more of our squad have agreed to sign on for another year. We now have the core of our team in place for next season but now we have to continue building.

"We've had a fantastic season this year, firstly finishing in the top eight, followed by a play-off semi final spot. Now we have to try to improve and build upon that and push the top sides even closer.

"We have identified certain areas where we need to strengthen and hope to announce those signings within a few weeks."

The Blues can also confirm that a new fitness coach has come onboard following the news that Andy McLean is heading off to the USA with his family in the Summer. Jamie Bain, who has spent the last year working under former Wales Strength and conditioning coach Mark Bennett at the Ospreys, has already met the players and is busily preparing pre-season fitness schedules.

EIGHT BLUES RE-SIGN

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that eight of the current first team squad have signed new deals to remain at Goldington Road.

Director of rugby Mike Rayer has announced that Ollie Dodge, Ian Vass, Mike Howard, Paul Tupai along with prop duo Sam Walsh and Dan Seal have all put pen-to-paper on contract extensions.

Scrum half Will Chudley and winger Duncan Taylor have also agreed to extend their stay with the Blues by signing two year deals with the club.

Rayer said: “It is great news that this core group of players have all agreed to stay at the club. Dan Seal came to us from Birmingham & Solihull and he has truly earned himself a new deal.

“Vassy, Ollie, Mike, Sam and Toops have continued to show their worth throughout the year and the two youngsters have really emerged as individuals over the year and it is fantastic that they will continue their progression with us.

“Everybody knows that times have been tough for many businesses around the country and we as a rugby club are no different. Players know that the purse strings have had to be pulled and I am thrilled that so many will be staying with us.

“I am also pleased to say that more signings will be imminent.

“Of course not all of this squad will be here next season and for those who will be leaving, I and everyone associated with the club, wish them the very best for the future.

“We have offered Luke Fielden a new deal, but he has decided to turn it down in the hope of securing Premiership rugby next season which his agent has guaranteed him. It is disappointing news, but I understand Luke’s reasons and hope he achieves his ambition.”

Another player who is leaving Goldington Road is Ireland Under-19 international and Bedford Blues Colt player Corey Hircock who has been offered a deal with Munster.

Rayer said: “We had hoped that Corey would stay with us on a development contract, but when a club like Munster comes calling it is very hard to turn that down and everyone wishes him well.”

Bedford Blues Touch League

The touch league celebrates its tenth season and is looking forward to another fun and exciting year. In 2009 twenty-four teams entered the competition, the winners were ‘Can’t Touch This’, who went on to beat the Northampton League touch winners 3-2.

This year’s competition starts on Wednesday, April 28th at Biddenham Upper School, if you would like to enter a team or you are an individual looking for a team then contact John Kearsley bedfordtouch@yahoo.co.uk.

Further information about touch rugby can be found at www.bedfordtouch.co.uk

The season runs for twelve weeks and this year the finals will be held at the Bedford Blues rugby ground.

CLUB NEWS