Booj is back! Le Bourgeois returns to Bedford

Posted: 5th June 2022
 

Bedford Blues are delighted to confirm the return of former captain, Michael Le Bourgeois who re-joins the club for the 2022/23 campaign in a player-coach capacity, with a specific focus on defence.

The 31-year-old spent five seasons at the club between 2013-18, making 124 appearances and scoring 163 points, and will be looking to pick up where he left off now back at Goldington Road for next season.

On re-joining the club for a second spell, Le Bourgeois said: “I am absolutely delighted to be back in Bedford. This is a club which means a lot to me and there’s still a lot of familiar faces around the place from my first spell, which is exciting.

“I’ve missed the buzz of a Goldington Road matchday; everyone always says it, but it really is true, the #BluesFamily are the best supporters in the league, and I can’t wait to be running out in-front of everyone again next season.

“It’s an exciting prospect to be back in Bedford with my first foray into coaching to coincide with things on the pitch. I’m looking forward to working with Mike, Sean and Sharpy next season, all of whom I know from my first spell which will again help with the transition.”

Le Bourgeois returns to the Blues after making 71 appearances, scoring three tries for Wasps having joined the Premiership club from Goldington Road in 2018/19.

He earnt his shot at the top-flight – in which he has 52 caps – following an emphatic spell in Bedford which included winning the Blues Players’ Player of the Year and Championship Player of the Year awards in his final campaign.

He spent two seasons as Blues captain, helping secure a third placed finish in 2017/18. A three-time Championship Dream Team inductee, Le Bourgeois will be looking to tick over the 1,500 points barrier and make his 150th second-flight appearance next season.

Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “First and foremost, Booj the player can add so much to the team.  He knows the game inside out and really understands the defensive part, particularly playing for a really good club at the moment in Wasps.

“There are still a few good years left in him on the field and I’m really looking forward to us working together next season both as a player and leader, but in a defensive capacity with a bit of coaching as well.

“I’ll be looking to develop him. He’s got time to decide what he wants to do after rugby; this gives him a chance to dip his toe into the coaching scene as well as continue his career.”

Le Bourgeois becomes the 15th member of the #BluesFamily to commit for next season - will you follow suit? Season Ticket news on the way tomorrow #StayTuned