News

Bedford Blues building process for the 2017/18 Championship season has continued with the signing of two impressive young backs.

Heading to Goldington Road next season will be Exeter Chiefs fly half Will Hooley and Northampton Saints winger Howard Packman.

Cambridge born Hooley, 24, is a former England Under 20 international who came through the Acadmey system at Northampton Saints before going on to make 14 first team appearances and scoring 77 points.

10 years ago, on May 7th 2007, Courtney Lawes and Duncan Taylor played in the Bedford Blues Academy U19 side that beat Redruth, 30pts – 5, in the final of the National Colts Cup at Franklin’s Gardens

Today they line up against each other for Northampton Saints against Saracens in Round 20 of the Aviva Premiership at Stadium MK.

Duncan, now 27 yrs old, wins his 100th cap for Saracens, whilst Courtney, 28 yrs old, plays his 188th game for Saints.  Duncan has also gained 18 caps for Scotland, and Courtney 58 caps for England.

The Bedford Blues fans who made the long Easter weekend trip to Penzance were given an afternoon of running rugby played very much in the style of a pre-season friendly which ended 40-40.

A try at the death for Myles Dorrian in his last appearance in a Blues jersey was converted by Elliot Clements-Hill to ensure that the game finished honours even at a sunny Mennaye Field which saw 12 tries in a pulsating end to end game.

Bedford Blues will be making the long journey down to Penzance this weekend as they take on the Cornish Pirates in the final round of the Greene King IPA Championship.

While neither team made it into the top four this season, there will still be plenty to play for on the field as Bedford look to respond to the opening day defeat handed out to them by the Pirates at Goldington Road.

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that three more members of the current squad have put pen to paper on brand new deals which will keep them at Goldington Road for the 2017/18 season.

Prop Camillo Parilli-Ocampo along with back row stars Josh Buggea and Ed Taylor have all committed to the Blues for another campaign as Bedford look to put together an experienced squad who will push for top honours next season.

Speaking about the re-signings, Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: "To be able to have three young, talented players back in the squad next season is a real pleasure and I'm sure that the fans will be just as delighted.