Josh Pieterse signs on for 2021/22

Posted: 28th June 2021
 

Bedford Blues are delighted to announce the acquisition of prop Josh Pieterse from Ealing Trailfinders.

Now sponsored by Document Logistix, Pieterse is a former member of the Blues Academy under Denis Ormesher and the 26-year-old is another option at loosehead for Mike Rayer’s side as squad preparation continues for the 2021/22 Championship season.

On heading to Goldington Road, Pieterse said: “It’s crazy to think I’m going full circle in returning to Bedford having been in the Academy set-up eight years ago. I’m really excited; Bedford is a club that is attached to its roots and still has a real traditional feel around Goldington Road.

“I haven’t played too many games in the Championship so I’m really looking to kick on now with a full season coming up. Championship rugby is a real physical, combative game and I felt that at both Ealing and Doncaster I learnt a lot about scrummaging and how to take my game to the next step.

“It’s a real exciting opportunity here at Bedford and I’m hoping the season goes in a way which will allow me and the team to do some great things.”

A prominent figure for Exeter University, making 33 appearances and enjoying a stint as captain, Pieterse was signed by Ealing in preparation for the 2019/20 Championship campaign.

He made just one appearance for Trailfinders, a Championship Cup victory over Ampthill, but spent part of that debut season battling at the top end of the National One table with Chinnor, making a further eight appearances.

He spent the latter weeks of the truncated 2021 Championship season with Steve Boden’s Doncaster Knights, featuring on three occasions including against Bedford at Castle Park and the daunting battle with Saracens.

Head Coach, Alex Rae said: “Josh is a player who has been around Goldington Road before as part of the Blues Academy so will be able to understand the environment we want to create straightaway.

“He is an aggressive, physical ball carrier who has been around the Championship for the past couple of years and shown great progression with Ealing Trailfinders and Doncaster Knights. We know he’ll have been well coached at both those clubs and we feel we can provide the platform for Josh to really kick on now.”