News

Bedford Blues continued their preperations for the Greene King IPA Championship season with a seven try 18-45 win over Plymouth Albion at Brickfields on Saturday evening. There were two tries for Pete White along with one apiece for Myles Dorrian, George Perkins, Hayden Thompson-Stringer, Jordan Burns and Camilo Parili-Ocampo.

Albion took the lead early on with a well struck Bill Searle penalty before the Blues kicked into gear with two tries quick fire tries. White scored from close range having been played in by Joel Conlon before Dorrian took advantage of some lacklustre defending to score under the posts. The Australian converted both to make it 3-14.

After 61 Caps, a record breaking 607 Points - made up of 18 Tries, 104 Conversions and 103 Penalties - and three Rugby World Cups in 2003, 2007 and 2011, James Pritchard has announced his retirement from international rugby. Here is what Skippy had to say about the decision.

"Well after 12 years of what I would like to describe as “living the dream”, I’ve finally come to realisation that there comes a time to hang up those trusty kicking boots and call time on my international playing days.

For those Bedford Blues supporters who have purchased a 2015-16 Season Ticket, your welcome pack will be sent out next week, Tuesday 25 August, and your ticket to Championship rugby at Goldington Road will be with you very soon.

While every effort is made for your ticket to arrive quickly and safely, there is always the chance that it will take a little longer than expected. If you have not received your ticket by next weekend, Sunday 30 August, then please contact the club so that we can address any potential issue.

One week on from the opening friendly encounter of pre-season, Bedford Blues are heading down to Devon for a training camp and match against Plymouth Albion which kicks off at 5pm on Saturday evening.

Once again, the Blues will be making full use of their squad by naming 29 players to feature in the game  including a Blues debut for winger George Perkins and a welcome return to action for Charlie Clare and Ollie Dodge

The Blues Academy kick off their fixtures when they welcome London Scottish to Goldington Road this Saturday, August 22nd, Kick Off 12 noon.

Bedford have announced a squad of 30 for the game, which will be played in three 30 minute periods.

Centre Aaron Martin and winger Ryan Hutler, both who have trained with the Blues 1st XV during the summer, are in the starting lineup.  

Rugby fans were given a treat on Tuesday night when the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour arrived at Goldington Road with the Webb Ellis Cup.

Hundreds of fans patiently waited to get themselves snapped with the famous trophy - lifted by Martin Johnson for England in 2003 - following the East Midlands reception which was held in the Scrum Hall.

Bedford Blues Chairman, Geoff Irvine said: “We were delighted to host the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour and it was fantastic to see so many people from across the county descending on the club to see this special Trophy in the build up to this year’s exciting tournament.

The Blues Academy kick off their fixtures when they welcome London Scottish to Goldington Road this Saturday, August 22nd, Kick Off 12 noon.

Blues Academy Director, Denis Ormesher, said: “We have 12 of last year's squad returning this season, and we have some good youngsters who have been with on trial this summer.  They have all worked hard over the summer, and are beginning to come together as a squad."

Rugby is back and boy, have we missed it! A cracking 1564 turned up at Goldington Road on Saturday afternoon as Bedford Blues got their pre-season campaign underway in a triangular tournament against Ampthill and Old Albanians.

Director of Rugby Mike Rayer made full use of his squad with 28 players being used across the two 40 minute games.

Being the politest of hosts, the Blues played up the slope in both encounters with the first being against Ampthill who were promoted to National One last season.

Bedford Blues will be making full use of their squad as they face Ampthill and Old Albanians in Saturday’s triangular friendly at Goldington Road.

The Blues will be taking on Ampthill at 2pm before facing Old Albanians at 3pm. Ampthill and Old Albanians will then go head-to-head at 4pm.

Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer has included new signings Piers O’Conor, Sam Blanchet, Myles Dorrian and Sam James in the team to face Ampthill while Jordan Burns, Jack Culverhouse, Mark Flanagan and Joel Conlon line up against Old Albanians along with trialists Elliot Clements-Hill, Billy Harding and Brian Tuilagi.

Bedford Blues launch their 2015/16 pre-season campaign this Saturday with a triangular feast of rugby against both Ampthill and Old Albanians (Kick Off 2pm).

Tickets are just £5.00 for adults and FREE for Under 16s, and with so many new faces set to play it is a must-see fixture as the Goldington Road gates are opened for a fresh new season from 12 noon, Saturday 15 August.