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.

"Rich has been in splendid form and has scored some wonderful tries from all areas of the pitch as well as being a crucial part of our defensive line. Will has made excellent progression this season and we expect much of the same when the new campaign kicks off. While Harry has had a couple of injury setbacks, we have all seen the impact that he's made at the club and his battel with Will Hooley for the starting jersey is a fantastic one which benefits the entire squad."

Sheppard, 21, is a graduate of Moulton College where his impressive displays caught the eye of former Blue Jon Phillips as well as backs coach Paul Larkin but it was London Scottish who snapped him up and he went on to seamlessly make the transition into the first team where he flourished before moving to the Blues last summer.

On signing his new deal, Sheppard said: "I'm really happy to have committed to Bedford for another year and I've loved every minute of my time here both in terms of the rugby side of things as well as settling in the town. I'm fit and well and fully focussed on finishing as high up the table as possible and pushing for silverware in the British & Irish Cup."

Lane, 24, was born in Bedfordshire and grew up playing for the Junior Blues before going to Millfield School where he captained the Under 16s Sevens team that won the Rosslyn Park National Schools title and the All England Sevens. He was previously a member of Northampton's Academy before signing for Bath where he scored a memorable hat-trick in the Amlin Cup against Mogliano. Before joining Jersey in 2015, Lane spent time in Australia with Sydney University Football Club and was also dual-registered with Cornish Pirates. He's been in electric form for the Blues throughout the season having racked up an impressive 12 tries in his debut campaign.

Lane - who can play in the centre, on the wing or at fullback - said: "I'm really pleased to have re-signed for my hometown side. It's a great club with great fans and I've really enjoyed the season with an awesome bunch of boys and I'm looking forward to building on what we have done so far this season and into the next."

Lock Carrick-Smith, 26, joined the Blues from fellow Championship side London Scottish in 2016. The second row star who stands at an impressive six feet 11 inches and tips the scales at 130kg had one season at the Exiles having previously gained Premiership experience with Exeter Chiefs. He has gone on to form some fantastic partnerships this season with Jordan Onojaife and Ed Taylor as well as crossing the whitewash against Ospreys and picking up Man of the Match against Ulster A at the weekend.

Carrick-Smith said: "It is fantastic to sign on once again for the Blues. The environment at Bedford is such a positive one and I'm really looking forward to finishing this season on a high and getting set for another big campaign after the summer. It's been a privilege to play at Goldington Road and I'm pleased to be continuing my career in front of such wonderful fans."

Harry, Rich and Will join Josh Buggea, Will Hooley, Ed Taylor and Michael Le Bourgeois in signing for the 2018/19 season while Lee Dickson, Alex Rae, Jarad Williams, Chris Czekaj, Sean McCarthy and Ben Cooper all have another year on their current deals.