Paul Larkin departs Bedford Blues

Posted: 14th June 2021
 

Head of Analysis Paul Larkin is to leave Bedford Blues this week following the end of the 2021 Championship season after ten years with the Club.

The former Northampton Saints fly-half has been an integral and consistent part of Mike Rayer’s coaching team for the past decade, but moves on from Goldington Road to take up the role of Recruitment Manager at Bristol Bears.

Joining the Blues in the summer of 2011, replacing Nick Walshe, Larkin held the position of Backs & Analysis Coach until this current season as Jake Sharp returned and ‘Larks’ focussed solely on analysis.

Prior to his time with Bedford, Larkin was part of the very successful Northampton coaching staff between 1994-2007 before moving into the management team at reigning Premiership and European champions, Exeter Chiefs.

Whilst disappointed to be losing the experience of ‘Larks’ with 40 years’ service in rugby as both a coach and a player, he leaves with the very best wishes of the Club in his future endeavours.

Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer said: “We are extremely pleased for Larks to land this type of role. He’s been working incredibly hard behind the scenes over many years, both on the training field and behind a laptop!

“Larks has also brought great balance and acted as confidant to us all over many years, bringing a calm assurance garnered through the experienced journey that he’s been on. We are going to miss his knowledge and humour around the place but we wish him well and have no doubt he’ll be a great addition to the Bears staff.”

The departing Paul Larkin added: “During my time at Bedford, I have made true memories and relationships which will last forever. Along the way, I have shared many highs and lows with Mike, A-Rae, Hynesy and Rob Crowle.

“During this time, we have seen many players develop their game and then ply their trade in the Premiership; Josh Bassett, Mark Atkinson, Piers O’Conor and Mike Le Bourgeois to name but a few.

“I leave with a lot of mixed emotions. Sadness at leaving such a prestigious club but tempered with excitement at a new challenge.”