1st XV News

Bedford Blues take to the road in round 19 of the Greene King IPA Championship as they head west to take on Hartpury at the Gillman’s Ground on Saturday afternoon.

While the Blues go into the game off a bonus point win over Cornish Pirates, they know that a huge challenge awaits with Hartpury fighting for their Championship survival with just four games remaining. The hosts head into the fixture having won three of the last four including a huge victory over Jersey Reds last weekend.

The countdown to the annual Mobbs Memorial Match on Wednesday 10th April at Goldington Road has started. The Blues will do battle with the British Army on an action-packed evening of rugby with Bedford Modern School taking on Kimberley College prior to the main event. Click here to buy tickets. 

Former Bedford Modern pupil, Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Mobbs DSO - a true England rugby legend and a genuine hero of World War I - died during the Third Battle of Ypres while attacking a machine gun post.

Bedford Blues are pleased to announce that two more members of the current squad have put pen to paper on new deals to remain at the club for the coming campaign.

Agreeing new deals for the 2019/20 Championship season are USA international fly half Will Hooley and 24 year old hooker Jacob Fields.

Speaking about the re-signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: “Will and Jacob are both key members of the Bedford Blues squad who have both continued to develop superbly since arriving at Goldington Road.

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce details for the 2018/19 End of Season Gala Dinner. The event will take place in the Blues Marquee on Friday 3rd May. 

As always the evening will feature some fabulous entertainment as Blues players, coaches and special guests fill the Marquee to celebrate the close of yet another sensational season of Championship Rugby at Goldington Road. 

Bedford Blues put in a solid 80 minute performance on Saturday afternoon to pick up a bonus point 32-14 win over the Cornish Pirates in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Tries from Dean Adamson, Ryan Hutler and Rich Lane plus a penalty try for the pack ensured that all five points came the way of the Blues while the visitors crossed at the start and end of the second half.

Speaking at full time, Adamson said: “In the last two games we felt that we’d let ourselves down, we’ve let the club down and we’ve let the fans down so we knew we wanted to come flying out of the blocks in the first five minutes and we certainly did that and continued throughout the half.

Bedford Blues make five changes for the visit of Cornish Pirates to Goldington Road on Saturday afternoon.

With the Sky Sports cameras also in town, much is expected from the clash as the two teams face off for the fourth time this season. The Blues currently hold two wins over the visitors with a league victory at the  Mennaye and a cup win at home, but the Pirates are always dangerous as they showed with a 22-20 win in Penzance back in November.

Championship rugby returns to Goldington Road this Saturday 23rd March as the Blues bid to recement their home fortress with a win over old rivals Cornish Pirates (KO 3pm). Book online discounted tickets here.

Bedford currently sit in fourth place in the table just three points ahead of this weekend’s visitors, but will be looking to extend that lead and reel in third placed Jersey Reds.

Bedford Blues pack is starting to take shape for the 2019/20 Championship season with three more players committing themselves to the club for the coming campaign.

Will Carrick-Smith, Ed Taylor and Josh Buggea have all signed new deals to remain at Goldington Road and Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer is thrilled that the trio have re-signed.

“Our pack has really grown this season and it is clear what an impact Alex Rae is having on the forwards, so to have three more in place for next season is great for continuity” he said.

Fancy enjoying an afternoon of superb dining and entertainment? Look no further than the Lifesure Suite at Goldington Road. Watch our new promotional video here. 

You will be greeted with a welcome drink of Prosecco before making your way to your reserved table and soaking in your surroundings with a read of your match-day programme.

Once you’re settled in, Portfolio Catering will serve you a delicious three-course meal with pre-orders and table service available throughout the day for drinks. 

Bedford Blues will be bidding a fond farewell to two crowd favourites this summer as Jarad Williams and Mark Flanagan confirmed that they are leaving the club.

Number 8 Williams, 29, will be heading north with his wife and their baby, which is due in May, while second rower Flanagan, also 29, has decided to hang up his boots and return home to his native Ireland.