News
Atkinson and Onojaife remain for 2021/22
Bedford Blues are delighted to announce that two of our most experienced Championship forwards, Joe Atkinson and Jordan Onojaife, have committed their futures to Goldington Road for the 2021/22 Championship season.
Just shy of 100 combined Blues appearances, the duo have played more than 200 games in England’s second tier and provide continuity and leadership within the pack as Mike Rayer continues to assemble his squad for next season.
Atkinson, 29, sponsored by Blackchair, has been a mainstay in the side since arrival from Wasps in 2019 and was one of only two players to start every game last season. Demonstrating great consistency and work-rate, Atkinson ended this campaign as the Club’s top tackler.
Making a total of 30 appearances in blue, Atkinson has scored four tries, including his incredible effort against Hartpury last season under the Friday night lights which went on to win Championship Try of the Week.
A recent father, Atkinson has today been named in the Championship Clubs Podcast Team of the Season following his star performances.
Onojaife, 25, sponsored by Bedford Battery, spent a large portion of last season on the side-lines with a calf problem, but came back to show everyone just why he is so highly rated in the Championship with four dominative performances to conclude the campaign.
Making a total of 55 appearances, scoring three tries, Onojaife originally joined the club on loan from Northampton Saints for the latter stages of 2017 before returning full-time in 2019 after a stint with Ealing Trailfinders.
One of two Blues players named in the Championship Dream Team in 2019/20, Onojaife will be hoping to rediscover that form next season and provide commanding performances from the second row.
Commenting on retaining the experienced duo, Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer said: “Over the last couple of campaigns these two lads have been unbelievably consistent in their performances.
"For them to commit to the club again is brilliant as they are highly regarded by their teammates, coaches and supporters. Strong leadership qualities coupled with the experience that these guys have is what we as coaches are looking forward to them bringing to our preparations.
"The fact that these lads are also embedded in the ‘Blues Way’ means they can promote that message from within the playing group.”
