Bedford Blues
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Bedford Blues is a rugby union club in the town of Bedford, England. In 2005/06 it is playing in National Division One.
Bedford Blues are a semi-pro team, a good mix of experience (Junior Paramore) with young local talent (Sacha Harding). The Blues are coached by Mike Rayer (Wales, Cardiff and Bedford). Rayer, an ex-player of the club and Cardiff, has introduced a free-flowing and exciting style which has seen Bedford rise to 2nd in the league, only held back by the dominance of last year's Premiership demotees, Harlequins. New players such as Emyr Lewis and Alex Page have added a new vigour whilst existing talents such as Ali Hepher, Junior Paramore, Nic Strauss and Mark Harris have continued to play in a way that won them the Powergen Shield in 2005. Of course, it is thanks to all of the players and their support, that they have achieved so much, with great potential for the future. After many years of uncertainty seems as though the future is bright for this young and talented team. In the next five years it is hoped that 50% of the clubs players will have been brought into the squad through the Academy and youth teams.
Goldington Road
The home ground of the Bedford Blues, with a capacity of 7000, usually drawing 2000-3000 people with each home game. Recently 2 new stands where built for the home tie against Harlequins, these stands have been made a long term part of the stadium. With the grounds public house and original stand.[link]Former Players
In years gone Bedford have seen some of the countries best players pass through the gates of Goldington Road. Some good examples would be:
- Scott Murray (Scotland and the British Lions)
- Jeff Probyn (England)
- Rory Underwood (England and the British Lions)
- Paul Sackey (England A)
- Roy Winters (England A)
- Jon Sleightholme (England)
- Junior Paramore (Samoa)
- Craig Moir (Scotland)
- Andy Gomarsall (England and 2003 World Cup Winner)
- Scott Stewart (Canada)
- Alistair Murdoch (Australia)
- Darragh O'Mahony (Ireland)
- Rudolf Straueli (South Africa and 1995 World Cup Winner)
- Paul Turner (Wales)
- Mike Rayer (Wales)
- Gareth Rees (Canada)
- James Pritchard (Canada)
- Martin Offiah (Rugby League with the invincible Wigan sides and Great Britain)
- Tony Yapp (England U21's)
- Charlie Harrison (England A)
- Clem Boyd (Ireland U21's)
Club Honours
- John Player Cup 1975
- Powergen Shield 2005
External link
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