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TEAM NEWS | Squad announced for Saints trip
Mike Rayer has named his matchday squad as Bedford Blues prepare for their first visit to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens since 2008 to take on Premiership strategic partners, Northampton Saints tomorrow (KO 2pm).
Tickets are still available from our hosts for this fixture; buy yours here and join us at the Gardens.
Unsurprisingly considering the distance between the clubs, Northampton are the side who Bedford have faced on the most occasions, having contested 211 competitive fixtures. Saints currently lead the head-to-head record with 130 wins to Bedford’s 66, while there have been 15 draws.
For the latest meeting in 135 years of history, Rayer has made five changes compared to the Starting XV which began the Rotherham Titans friendly last weekend and most notably sees Michael Le Bourgeois start at fly-half for his first Bedford appearance in over four years having re-joined the club from Wasps this Summer.
After international exploits for England U20s this Summer, Ethan Grayson also comes in from the first whistle and lines up at inside centre amid a backs positional reshuffle.
There are three changes in the forwards pack as former Saints duo Alex Woolford and Tui Uru line-up against previous employers, while Joey Conway is named in the loosehead jersey to complete the changes.
The trio of Will Maisey (knee), Louis Grimoldby (hip) and Osman Dimen (foot) will all sit out the trip across the A428 as a precautionary measure in readiness for the upcoming Championship season.
Forner Blue Ed Coulson has been drafted in as cover for this game following the injuries within the backs division.
Alex Day has been named as captain as he prepares to face his former club.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Sean French, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. Ethan Grayson, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Michael Le Bourgeois, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jack Hughes, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
Monty Royston, Jack Hughes, Ed Prowse, Robin Williams, Charles Rylands, Jake Garside, Pat Tapley, Ryan Apps, Ed Coulson
