News
Alex Woolford pens for another year
Bedford Blues conclude a second week of player announcements for the upcoming 2022/23 campaign by completing full continuity in the engine room as Alex Woolford also extends his stay at Goldington Road.
The 29-year-old – who impressed from his 17 appearances during his debut campaign – follows fellow second-rows Jordan Onojaife, Luke Frost and Robin Williams in re-committing themselves for next season.
Woolford said: “Last season was the most enjoyable of my carer to date. Thank you to all in the #BluesFamily for their support and making me feel welcome in Bedford.
“We are probably a little disappointed with last season but if anything, that’s exciting, because we can continue to improve and build upon what has gone before.
“We’re a tight-knit group right the way across the team, but particularly in the second row so it’s fantastic that we’ve been kept together and that will only put us in good stead next season. It’s highly competitive, we continue to push each other in training, which only goes to help the team.”
Just shy of 75 appearances in English rugby’s second-tier, Woolford has vast experience in the division having plied his trade for Moseley, London Welsh, London Scottish and Coventry. Prior to that, he was part of the Northampton Saints Academy and made six first-team appearances.
Woolford, sponsored by Hatters Fine Furnishings, was a consistent name on the team sheet having arrived last summer, dotting down away at Cornish Pirates before injury ruled him out for a couple of months. He returned to again play a pivotal part in the club’s success towards the back end of the Championship season.
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “Woolfy really impressed me from the off and was playing really consistently in the first part of the season before an injury set him back. He’s another who came back to finish the season really strongly.
“You can never have enough experience and when we come to having the youngsters in from Northampton, it’s nice to have those senior players guiding them and Alex brings a lot of time and energy to that. He also puts a lot of work and detail into his lineouts and has become a real leader.”
