Bedford Blues are thrilled to announce that their new Community Rugby Department will be headed up by former player and current coach Ben Gulliver.
 
Gulliver has an impressive playing CV having competed at the highest level with both Worcester Warriors and Leicester Tigers. The lock started his career with the Saracens Academy before playing for Coventry, Plymouth Albion, Cornish Pirates, Bedford Blues and, most recently, Ampthill.
 
Ben also has a wealth of coaching experience having been development officer at Coventry during his playing days with the then Coundon Road Stadium outfit. After moving to the West Country, he went on to become an RFU Level Three coach and after signing for Bedford, Ben took a job as Head of Rugby with Samuel Whitbread Academy in Clifton.
 
The 2015/16 season saw Ben combine his impressive on-field duties for Ampthill with a coaching position at Goldington Road and this resulted in him being named in the Rugby Paper’s National One Dream Team and helping the Blues reach the Championship play-offs.
 
Speaking about his appointment, Ben said: “I’m honoured to have been selected as the Head of Community for Bedford Blues and I cannot wait to get started in this new job. I’ve been coaching for nearly as long as I have been playing and I’m really excited to have this wonderful opportunity to make a big impact on local rugby in Bedfordshire.
 
“Having worked in a Bedfordshire school, I know first-hand that rugby is a huge deal and it is my job to ensure that youngsters become more involved with the Blues both on and off the field. Bedford Blues is a unique brand who play fantastic, fast-paced rugby and that is what fans of all ages love to see. I'm really looking forward to working with local schools, universities and the Junior Blues as well as the wider community.
 
“On a personal note, my wife Georgie and I love the town, we feel very comfortable here and are both extremely proud to call Bedford our home. Everything feels right and I’m looking forward to the future heading up the Bedford Blues Community Rugby Department.”
 
Bedford Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer added: “We had some outstanding candidates applying for this role, but when it came down to it Ben's passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for all things Bedford really shone through. This is an exciting and important role and we are looking forward to Ben driving this project onwards and getting the Blues brand out into the community.”
 
There are still a few places available on the Blues inaugural pre-season rugby camp which is open to players of all ages and abilities with boys and girls welcomed to the sessions which take place at Goldington Road.
 
The rugby camp will take place between 9am and 3pm on Tuesday 23rd, Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th August with the sessions costing £50 for all three days or you can attend a single day for £20.
 
You can find booking details for the Bedford Blues rugby camp on www.bedfordrugby.co.uk or you can call 0871 871 1886 to book directly with the club. Participants will need rugby training kit, a packed lunch and a water bottle (which can be topped up throughout the day).