Bedford Blues are pleased to announce that three more members of the current squad have agreed new deals to remain at Goldington Road next season.

Back row Oli Curry, centre Lewis Robling and scrum half James Lennon have joined Ryan Hutler, Rich Lane, Alex Penny and Sean McCarthy in committing their future to the Blues for the 2019/20 campaign.

Speaking about the re-signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: “Oli, Lewis and James have all made huge impacts at Goldington Road this season and I am delighted that they have re-signed for the coming campaign. All three have brought their own particular strengths to the group and the club and we are looking forward to seeing more of that next season. They now have greater understanding of how we operate here in Bedford and it will great to see them grow and develop over the coming year.

“Oli has been incredibly consistent so far this season culminating in a man of the match performance recently down at London Scottish. Lewis has also proven to be an excellent addition to the squad especially given he has been able to step up at 10 when needed. Defensively he’s been outstanding, whilst also offering us a great gain line and midfield distribution option in attack. James has grown massively over the past year and it is clear that he has soaked up so much knowledge from Lee Dickson while continuing to develop his own style of rugby. There is definitely more to come for James as he gets more exposure and game time, he reminds us a lot of a young Ali Price and looked where he’s ended up!”

“Things are progressing steadily on the recruitment front and we hope to announce a few new faces very soon.”

Second-row Curry, 23,  joined Blues from Ealing Trailfinders having previously spent time with then Championship side Rotherham Titans. Curry came through the ranks at London Irish, making his debut against Sale, before going on to play nine more appearances for the Exiles as well as featuring in their A-League and 7s sides. Oli has made 19 appearances for the Blues this season scoring one try along the way.

Like Curry, Lewis Robling swapped Ealing Trailfinders for Goldington Road at the start of the season and has gone on to make 20 appearances scoring two tries, six conversion and seven penalties for the Blues. The 27 year old also spent three years with Jersey Reds where he made 60 appearances in the league and cup having previously come through the ranks at the Dragons where he also played for Newport, Cross Keys and Bedwas as well as picking up International Honours with Wales Under 20s.

Scrum half James Lennon, 21, is another product of the Blues Academy system. Having played his junior rugby for Cheshunt, he joined the Saracens Academy before moving onto Munster’s Academy to further his development. James played for Irish Exiles U18, Munster U20 and Ireland U20 (v Munster U20) and was part of the Ireland U20s Six Nations training squad, the Ireland 7s training squad, playing for the Ireland 7 against Spain, and appeared for Munster in the B&I Cup. After moving back to the Bedford fold, he featured in pre-season friendlies before establishing himself under the tutelage of Lee Dickson and has made 17 appearances in a Blues jersey scoring one try.