Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that three members of the current squad have put pen to paper on new deals that will keep them at Goldington Road next season.

Josh Buggea, Will Hooley and Ed Taylor have all joined skipper Michael Le Bourgeois in agreeing new deals to keep them at the club for another year.

Speaking about the re-signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: "We've been pleased with the progress made by the club this season and it's important that we maintain a core of the current squad for the next campaign.

"Josh and Ed have more than proven themselves in Blues jerseys and both are keen to really kick on next season and make further improvements to their game. Will has been a key player for us this season and he has really grown into the Blues culture. He's enjoying his rugby, he's made his international debut for USA, but he isn't complacent and knows there's still lots to do going into a World Cup year.

"These three additions are just the start of a busy period for us, but everyone is focused on the challenges that remain for the rest of the season and that all starts this weekend against Ulster A in the British & Irish Cup."

Buggea, 24, signed for Bedford at the beginning of the 2014/15 season from Worcester Warriors, having previously been on loan to Doncaster Knights. Buggea is a no-nonsense flanker with pace, energy and a hard-hitting tackle and his performances on the field were noted by his peers who voted him the Player's Player of the season in 2015/16. Despite a couple of knocks, Buggea has continued to play with his heart on his sleeve and adds plenty of momentum to the Blues pack.

Speaking about his re-signing, Buggea said: "I’m over the moon to be back for another season at Goldington Road. Bedford has been my home for a few years now and I really feel part of the Blues family. Exciting times are ahead and I’m really looking forward to being involved with a great squad of players next season."

Cambridge born Hooley, 24, is a former England Under 20 international who came through the Academy system at Northampton Saints before going on to make 14 first team appearances and scoring 77 points. It was this, along with a successful dual-registration with Birmingham Moseley, that attracted the Exeter Chiefs and Hooley was brought in to provide top quality competition for the No.10 role. After moving to Goldington Road last summer, Hooley has continued his development and his talents were observed by the USA - who he qualifies for through his grandmother - and he featured in the Americas Rugby Championship (ARC) in February.

On signing his new contract, Hooley said: “I'm really pleased to re-signed and it is an honour to play for such a prestigious club as Bedford Blues. I’ve really enjoyed playing regular rugby this season and it is right for me to continue and do more with this squad. Now we need to focus on finishing the season strongly before heading into the coming campaign.”

Taylor, also 24, was captain of Loughborough Students and has represented England at Under 18 and 19 Levels as well as Wales Students. Before joining the Blues, Ed gained Championship experience at Rotherham Titans on a dual-registration deal while he was a member of the Worcester Warriors Academy. Standing at 6ft 4ins tall and adding 112kg to the back row, Ed has become a fully integrated member of the Blues pack and shown superb leadership qualities throughout his time at the club.

Speaking about commiting himself to the Blues, Taylor said: “I’m so excited to have re-signed for the Blues and I’m really looking forward to finishing this campaign on a high before going into next season and continuing the good work we’ve done this year.”

Josh, Will and Ed join 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.