News
Jac Arthur signs for Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues are delighted to announce the new signing of highly rated back row forward, Jac Arthur, who joins the club from neighbours Ampthill.
The 24-year-old Welshman was a standout figure for Paul Turner’s side last season, featuring in all 24 of their Championship league and cup fixtures, chipping in with three tries.
On making the short hop across the B530 to Goldington Road, Arthur said: “I’m really excited to be joining the club. But firstly, I have to say, I loved my time at Ampthill and felt like I developed my game there. I thank them for a great three years.
“I’ve just turned 24 and felt it was time for a new challenge, somewhere where I could continue my development and enjoy my rugby. I now want to marry up my ability in defence with what I believe I can bring in attack, and there’s nowhere better to do that than Bedford.
“I’d like to think I can join in the Bedford style of play and really add something to it. But I also want to bring that physicality and work rate in defence. Hopefully I can help become part of a team which is hard to beat as well as can score tries.”
Arthur experienced his first taste of rugby as a junior with Nantyffylon RFC before heading into the Ospreys age-grade set-up to further his development.
He completed his studies at Cardiff Metropolitan University where he went on to make 26 appearances as the side twinned competing in the BUCS set-up with a fourth-place finish in the WRU Championship in 2018/19.
He joined Ampthill in 2019, going on to make 40 appearances for The Mob including some tenacious displays against Bedford to catch the eye of the coaching department.
Another to already be working locally in the area, Arthur qualified with a Sports Coaching Degree and is currently working at Samuel Whitbread Academy. A role many former Blues have held and with an eye on lots of young developing talent, formerly including Tom Litchfield.
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “I’ve watched Jac for a while and he continues to impress. He offers a point of difference in attack and can play in all three positions across the back row. His versatility will be key for us.
“He’s someone who’s really keen to kick-on his career and he’s been brilliant for Ampthill. He offers the footballing ability that we probably need in the back row.
“Jac is someone who can put others into space. We’ll have to see if this plays out, but he reminds me a lot of Alex Dombrandt who’s good on the ball and notwithstanding that, he’s good over the ball as well in defence.”
*Photography credit - David Horn of PRIME Media Images*
