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Message from departing outside-half Will Hooley
Writing this, I realise the saddest of all things is the inability to actually speak to supporters all face to face.
The conversations after a match, in the marquee, or by the bus before we head back home from an away fixture. We are all accountable, in taking the small things for granted. The joys of rugby, and being part of the Bedford Blues family, have halted and seem like a distant memory.
However, I would like nothing more than to have the ability to express our thanks as players, for your continual dedication and support. COVID-19 has certainly not been the only negative news this season. ‘Championship cuts’ were proposed, and a first half of the season that was as disappointing as some of the lockdown measures.
Fair to say there has been some challenges, but there have also been some standout occasions that have taken place during this 2019-20 season with the Blues. By looking back, we must remember, and think positively, that rugby will return, and your Bedford Blues will be fighting it out once again.
Having been asked to put this message together for supporters, it was expressed that I indulge in some of my own personal experiences from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. Unable to join and help the boys during the start of the Championship season, I busied myself throwing everything I had at the pre-World Cup, and Rugby World Cup tournament itself.
I cannot express the gratitude I have for the level of support I received from all those involved with the Blues. I hope I represented the club’s name well, both on and off the field, in what was an incredible journey for my family and myself. I had a bit of a rollercoaster ride, with an unlucky fall in my first match against England that resulted in a head injury.
I was able to get back fit for our last pool games against Argentina and Tonga. It was during these matches that I spotted Chris Deverell (I must name drop), who waited with his Bedford Blues flag at the side of the pitch for a photo; thank you for the support Chris! Jet setting back to Goldington Road, personally, and as a side, we were poor during the first half of the season.
Disappointing results against sides we would ideally look to gain the upper hand against. There is no point blabbing on and making excuses, our structure to our defence and attack was non-existent at times. I know as fans you wish for us to express ourselves, play into space and hold down a solid defence, but trust me, you need some structure to get things working and gain success.
It honestly was a ‘career highlight’ moment, being part of a playing group and coaching staff, which had a hard look at itself, and turned over the proverbial leaf in 2020. We worked hard, we were honest to each other, but most importantly, we became closer than ever as a group. That win against London Scottish away in January was a momentous feeling.
To all supporters, we can only thank you for your continual support through the tough times. It was a joy to celebrate with you guys after that win down in Richmond. It really did kickstart our season. From there, we began to know our strengths and build as a team. Noticeable wins against Hartpury, Coventry, Doncaster, and of course, the last minute try by Huw Worthington to beat Jersey, gave us momentum. Players, such as Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas and Joe Atkinson, were starting to become fan favourites.
We began to have a fully fit squad to select from. We even had the delight of playing in a free-flowing running game officiated by ‘Sir’ Wayne Barnes himself! I am assuming, it was not just us as players who were enjoying life. Goldington Road really did find its voice again in 2020, and I am sure you were undoubtedly loving supporting a successful Blues side at the weekends!
However, amongst the celebrations and winning results, a sour taste burned in any Championship rugby enthusiast’s mouth. The RFU came to a conclusion that they wished to cut the funding to all Championship clubs.
The communication and reasoning behind the RFU’s decision begs belief. Yet, such is business. Although we were all in shock and disappointment, life moves on, and Bedford Blues, along with all other Championship clubs, will have to make arrangements to combat the lack of funding next year.
COVID-19 then hit. It seems as though disaster had to strike twice! Watching on, I was truly gutted that Newcastle Falcons had to be our last game to be played in the season. The boys fought for 80 minutes, but Newcastle showed their Premiership aspiring power. On the bus trip back, there was still an energy that everyone wanted to learn from our mistakes and get back to winning ways. Back then, we had no clue how COVID-19 would wreak havoc on the sporting industry. Cancelling and postponing events left, right and centre!
The Championship duly got cancelled, leaving us with an eighth-place finish. Yorkshire would be relegated, and Newcastle would be promoted.
As I write this, for us as players, normality has been put on hold. Home workouts have become the new norm, and ‘furlough’ has become everyone’s hot topic. I have no doubt that everyone who reads this has sadly been affected in some similar way. In some cases, you may have been close to those who have had it worse.
It is at this point that I want to pay tribute to a life-long Bedford Blues fan, David Fuller.
David sadly passed away in his home over a month ago. This hit me more personally, as David lives, quite literally, opposite my partner and me. He was a true rugby nut, fully engaged with everything that was going on. He lived and breathed for the Blues, describing to me how Goldington Road was ‘his sanctuary’.
Usually at every home and away game, I would always get a run down from David on Blues events. He would be the first one to come up to me at the local Italian delicatessen to praise the team and myself for our hard efforts. On behalf of the team we would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
I must express the good that has occurred during these adverse times. Bedford Blues has been a positive light in the sporting media. Goldington Road got singled out by Sunday Times rugby writer, Stephen Jones, as being one of the best rugby grounds in the world, and young film producers Harry Beard and Sean Tracey starred the Blues in the brilliant documentary, ‘More Than Just A Game’.
The club has also been busy helping local charities and the community, with the creation of the ‘Blues Foundation’. Players have also been helping their own communities and have been busy raising money through various challenges; from shaving heads to crossbar challenges.
The players continue to chat, workout and share a drink with one another through the joys of FaceTime and Zoom.
However, as you may know that when my contract finishes, I will no longer be playing my rugby at Goldington Road.
I have absolutely loved my time at the Blues. It is truly a historic and wonderful club, full of characters and down to earth people. However, what really makes Bedford Blues is you, the supporters. I have loved playing for a ‘rugby town’, where the passion is rugby.
I have so many fond memories, but I feel the one that shines out has to be in 2018 against Yorkshire Carnegie. A pitch covered in snow, with no chance of the game going ahead, the Blues fans turned up in their numbers to sweep the snow off the Goldington Road surface.
We duly played the game, putting in one of the finest Bedford Blues performances I have been a part of, and we won the match comfortably. For me, that win, and that day belonged to the whole club, and especially the fans! It illustrated everything that is so brilliant about Bedford Blues.
I do hope that you are all keeping as well as you can be. Moving forward, the club and the players will need your support more than ever. I’m sure this great club will get through this difficult time. Goldington Road will be in full voice once again!
Wishing you all the very best.
Will Hooley
This article comes as Will Hooley, Ryan Hutler, Sam Leeming and Robbie Smith announce their departures from the club. Everyone at Bedford Blues would like to thank all four players for their hard work and commitment during their time at Goldington Road. We wish them every success in their next chapter.
