News
Team News v Coventry
Mike Rayer has named his squad to begin the 2021 Championship campaign tomorrow against Coventry, with up to 12 players in line for their competitive Blues debut and another set to join the illustrious century club.
Tomorrow’s match is available to live stream for £10 by clicking here.
There are four changes to the side which concluded pre-season last weekend against Ampthill as Bedford look to make a strong start to the revised second-tier season.
Two changes in the forward pack both come at flanker where Joe Atkinson and Ollie Newman start, joining Tui Uru to compose the back row.
The remaining changes come in the backline as England U20s outside-half Tommy Mathews starts, with Elijah Niko returning to outside centre.
The date marks a special occasion for Bedford winger Pat Tapley, who makes his 100th competitive Blues appearance, whilst second row Will Carrick Smith and full-back Rich Lane again co-captain the side.
Jordan Onojaife, Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas and Henry Paul miss out due to injury.
Starting XV:
15. Rich Lane (co-capt), 14. Pat Tapley, 13. Elijah Niko, 12. Reuben Bird-Tulloch, 11. Ryan Olowofela, 10. Tommy Matthews, 9. Connor Tupai; 1. Joe Wrafter, 2. James Fish, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Will Carrick Smith (co-capt), 5. Lewis Bean, 6. Joe Atkinson, 7. Ollie Newman, 8. Tui Uru
Replacements:
16. Jacob Fields, 17. Sean McCarthy, 18. Ed Prowse, 19. Manny Iyogun, 20. Oli Robinson, 21. James Lennon, 22. Will Maisey, 23. Matt Worley
