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Seán French heads across the Irish Sea to join Bedford
Bedford Blues conclude preparations for the 2022/23 Championship campaign with the final announcement of their core group for the season as exciting back-three player, Seán French heads across from Munster.
A highly experienced player despite his relatively young years, the 22-year-old made his Munster debut in November 2020, dotting down in his inaugural game as part of a thumping victory over Zebre.
He made his first start for the province in January this year, starting on the wing in a close encounter against Irish rivals Ulster at Thomond Park.
French becomes the fourth Irish representative international to join up with Mike Rayer’s side following in the footsteps of compatriots Corrie Barrett, Joey Conway and Monty Royston next season.
On joining the club, French said: “I'm extremely excited. It feels like we're building something really special in Bedford and I'm delighted to be here to play my part.
"I've got quite a few connections to Bedford which is massive before heading over. Darragh O'Mahony is my mum's cousin and I know Corrie Barrett and Joey Conway from our time at Munster and the Irish age-grade stuff.
"It's always nice to have familiar faces when you're going somewhere new. Corrie and Joey have been very sound up to now with texts and calls. It's been extremely helpful and I can't wait to get going."
Part of the Ireland U20s Grand Slam winning side of 2019, French also has World Rugby Championship experience at age-grade as part of playing at every level possible throughout his development.
Winner of the Munster Schools Rugby Senior Cup in 2017, in which he was named as part of the team of the tournament, French was born in Cork and has represented the city in the All-Ireland League, securing further silverware with two cups and winner of Division 1A in 2018/19.
Director of Rugby, Rayer added: “Seán looks a great fit for us. He brings a physical presence to our backline with great aerial skill and finishing ability. As with the majority of our backline, he offers positional flexibility and enjoys playing with ball in hand.
“Perhaps the most impressive thing in talking to him was the fact that he is incredibly determined and aspirational to get back to playing at the very highest level. I’m convinced he will be setting great standards to those around him and drive the team to achieve great things.”
Seán is the 22nd member to commit his future to Bedford Blues, will you join the boys on the journey for the 2022/23 campaign? Season Tickets are available now as the only way to guarantee your seat for the full league and cup schedule; click here to purchase.
Bedford Blues Core Squad for the 2022/23 Championship campaign:
Joey Conway, Monty Royston, Jacob Fields, Jack Hughes, Corrie Barrett, Osman Dimen, Jordan Onojaife, Alex Woolford, Robin Wiiliams, Luke Frost, Jac Arthur, Charles Rylands, Tui Uru; Alex Day, Will Maisey, Louis Grimoldby, Dean Adamson, Seán French, Michael Le Bourgeois, Jamie Elliott, Pat Tapley, Matt Worley
