Carrick Smith and Lennon depart Bedford Blues

Posted: 7th June 2021
 

Bedford Blues can confirm that two of our longest serving current players, Will Carrick Smith and James Lennon, have left the club following the end of the 2021 Championship season.

With just under 150 cumulative appearances between the pair, Carrick Smith and Lennon have been great servants to Bedford Blues and we wish them all the very best with their future endeavours. 

Carrick Smith – who featured in every Championship fixture last season – departs following five seasons at Goldington Road.

The 29-year-old joined our illustrious century club in February 2020 and went on to make 111 appearances in all competitions, scoring three tries.

Co-captain of the side for last season’s opening day encounter against Coventry, Carrick Smith has been a mainstay in the team since arrival, firstly partnering Mark Flanagan and more recently the likes of Jordan Onojaife and Lewis Bean.

Highlights from his time at Bedford Blues include two third place finishes in the Championship (2018 & 2019) plus a Semi-Final appearance in the British & Irish Cup amongst other notable achievements.

Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer said: “Will has been such a consistent and durable operator since signing for the club, showing great year on year improvement.

“He has been a big part of this Club for the last five years, but being based in London means it’s been a bit of a commute and Will departs with our heartfelt wishes for the next chapter in his life.”

Carrick Smith added: “I absolutely loved my time at the club. The fanbase Bedford have make it a really special place to ply your trade and finishing on a high with victory in the Battle of Bedfordshire was the perfect way to sign off.

“I’ve got such fond memories of Goldington Road and I look forward to coming back in the future. Thank you to the #BluesFamily, all the coaching staff and big mention to the support staff behind the scenes who maybe don’t always get mentioned, but made my time here such a great time.

“It was an honour to work with the likes of Mike, Martin Hynes and A-Rae in the last five years and I wish nothing but success to the club in the future. I played with some great players and to be part of the century club at such a prestigious club is an achievement I’m very proud of.”

Lennon, 23, was one of the last graduates from the Blues Academy under Dennis Ormesher and linked up with the first team in preparation for the 2018/19 campaign.

Going on to score 37 points from 42 appearances, including a decisive score in his final Blues match during victory in the Battle of Bedfordshire, ‘Jiffy’ brought a great tempo to the Blues back line throughout his time at Goldington Road.

Rayer added: “Jiffy came here as a youngster and spent a couple of years under the tutelage of Lee Dickson, showing big improvements along the way.

“It’s a really tough one, but we feel he needs to find regular rugby and re-establish himself, wherever that may be.”

Lennon added: “I’ve had a thoroughly enjoyable four years at Goldington Road, first in the academy set-up and then in the first-team environment. Thank you to the coaches, players and #BluesFamily; I look forward to coming back either as opposition or supporter.”

#OnceABlueAlwaysABlue