TEAM NEWS | Five changes for Richmond clash

Posted: 21st January 2022
 

Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look for their first victory of 2022 when they travel to the capital to face Richmond (KO 3pm).

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Blues travel to the Richmond Athletic Ground looking to bounce back from last weekend’s Battle of Bedfordshire fixture at Goldington Road, in what is their first away voyage of the New Year.

A total of 91 years of history collide tomorrow with both sides looking to edge ahead in the series. The two teams are tied on 36 victories apiece and a draw ahead of the 74th meeting at the RAG.

Rayer makes five changes for tomorrow’s game including handing a debut to Northampton Saints dual-reg George Hendy, who made his England U20s debut last weekend in a friendly against Oxford University.

Hendy’s international teammate, Ethan Grayson also returns to the Bedford squad having featured in that game at Iffley Road, while the third and final backs alteration sees the rotation of the scrum half jersey continue with Alex Day named from the off this time around.

The final two changes come in the forwards pack as Karl Garside comes back in having been called back late to feature in the Champions Cup for Northampton Saints last weekend, while Bailey Ransom is handed the blindside jersey.

Among the replacements, Josh Pieterse and Tui Uru return to the fold. Only Will Biggs (Hamstring), Jacob Fields and Dean Adamson (HIA) are the injury absentees.

Bedford Blues Starting XV:

15. Rich Lane (C), 14. George Hendy, 13, Jamie Elliott, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Pat Tapley, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day; 1. Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi, 2. Jack Hughes, 3. Karl Garside, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Luke Frost, 6. Bailey Ransom, 7. Ollie Newman, 8. Oli Stedman

Bedford Blues Replacements:

16. Josh Pieterse, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Corrie Barrett, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Tui Uru, 21. Joe Atkinson, 22. Matt Worley, 23. Louis Grimoldby