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Rich Lane named Bedford Blues captain
Bedford Blues are proud to announce that Bedford born Rich Lane has been announced as the Club’s captain for the 2021/22 Championship campaign.
Stepping into the role at times during last season’s truncated campaign, last season’s joint top try scorer, Lane has been an ever-present since his arrival and has become one of the Championship’s most dependable operators.
The 28-year-old has made a total of 79 appearances scoring 28 tries and is hopeful of becoming the latest member of the #BluesFamily to join the illustrious century club all being well during the campaign.
On becoming captain of his hometown club, Lane said: “I’m immensely proud. I’ve now gone full circle from being in the Junior Blues as a six-year-old to now captaining the team. It’s a real nice moment for my family, particularly my dad who took me around most of the country as a Junior Blue.
“It’s nice of Mike [Rayer] to ask and have faith in me to do it. Throughout my career I’ve played with a lot of good captains, especially here at Bedford because I’ve had Booj [Michael Le Bourgeois], Dicko [Lee Dickson] and Sean. It’s about not overthinking it and most importantly continuing to play well.”
One of three former Junior Blues to represent the club last season, Lane is preparing for his fifth campaign at Bedford’s premier sporting club.
Winner of the Followers Try of the Season award in 2017/18 and several Championship Try of the Week successes, Lane will be looking to replicate last season’s form over a full campaign with his sights set on beating the 13 tries scored in his debut season.
Alongside Joe Atkinson, Lane was the only other player to start every game last season and he’ll be looking to replicate that feat while leading the side.
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “Rich is definitely the obvious candidate. He is the first name on the team sheet and did a brilliant job last season when standing in for Sean.
“Also, we have several experienced players for him to lean on as well as having a great relationship with the coaches. I have every confidence in him and the fact that he is a Bedfordian at heart makes this a very special announcement.”
