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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Championship opener
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look to hit the ground running in the 2022/23 Championship campaign when they travel to Coventry under the Friday Night Lights (KO 7:45pm)
Tickets are still available to follow us on the road to Butts Park Arena, click here to purchase and support the boys in our Championship opener.
Heading into his 18th campaign as Director of Rugby, and 20th associated with the club, Rayer will be looking for a strong start to the season as Blues hunt a first opening day league victory since 2019.
Bedford and Coventry will face each other four times this season having been drawn in the same Championship Cup group. This is the 183rd meeting between the pair and also presents an early opportunity to go in search of a first victory at Butts Park Arena since 2008.
For tomorrow’s fixture, Blues have turned to Bristol Bears and Ealing Trailfinders following a handful of injuries picked up in pre-season and lesser availability from our Strategic Partners, Northampton Saints due to them having two fixtures to contest within a 24-hour window.
Bedford welcome tighthead prop George Kloska and back row forward Aaron Tull into the #BluesFamily from Pat Lam’s side, while there are returns into the environment for Ollie Newman and James Little who both spent time at Goldington Road last year.
All four new Summer arrivals are in line for their competitive debut after starring in pre-season against Rotherham Titans and Northampton, while there are welcome returns from injury for fly-half duo Will Maisey – who starts against his former club – and Louis Grimoldby.
Luke Frost misses the game as part of his concussion protocol, while the trio of Tui Uru, Jamie Elliott and Osman Dimen all miss out due to injury.
Following Friday’s confirmed announcement, Alex Day captains the side for the first time competitively.
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer said: “We’re indebted to Ben Ward and Pat Lam for their assistance this week going into our first game. Preparation has been pretty good all things considered and the lads are really looking forward to tomorrow evening.”
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Seán French, 13. James Little, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jacob Fields, 3. Corrie Barrett, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Ollie Newman, 7. Charles Rylands, 8. Jac Arthur
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Jack Hughes, 17. Monty Royston, 18. George Kloska, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Aaron Tull, 21. Jake Garside, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Pat Tapley
