Alex Penny announces retirement

Posted: 9th February 2021
 

Bedford Blues can confirm tighthead prop Alex Penny has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.

Having not played since the premature cancellation of the 2019/20 Championship season, and with a significant job opportunity back home in his native Wiltshire, the 32-year-old has decided to hang up his boots.

A mainstay in the team since joining the Blues in 2017, Penny made 62 appearances for the club, scoring three tries as Bedford reached the British & Irish Cup Semi-Finals and third place in the Championship table in his first season at Goldington Road.

Whilst disappointed to be losing an integral part of the team and all-round good guy, Penny leaves Bedford with the best wishes of the club in his future endeavours.

Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer commented: “This news is so disappointing because Alex has been such a great addition to the club over the past few seasons. I think the pandemic is forcing a lot of people to rethink their future and we completely support Alex in making this decision. We wish him well in his next opportunity and he will be very much missed around the place, on and off the field.”

The departing Alex Penny added: “The last three and a half years have been the best of my rugby life; I’d like to thank the club, coaches and supporters for a memorable time at Bedford.

“Having joined Bedford, I quickly fell back in love with the game, which was really down to Mike and the boys, who help make it a great place to be.

“I look forward to visiting when allowed to do so and sharing a post-match beer with everyone.”