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Heffernan becomes permanent at Bedford
Bedford Blues are proud to conclude a week full of player announcements with the news that Oisin Heffernan has signed permanently with the club ahead of the 2023/24 Championship season.
The 28-year-old tighthead prop has been a familiar face at Goldington Road across the past few years on dual registration from Northampton Saints, making ten appearances and adding two tries.
Commenting on turning his time at Bedford into a more permanent arrangement, Heffernan said: “I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bedford over the past couple of seasons when I've been on loan, and it's really pleasing to join such a prestigious club on a permanent basis.
"Bedford is spoken about in the highest esteems with a rich history, and that's true from when I was at Nottingham in terms of within the Championship and more recently with Saints.
"Having had the privilege over the last two seasons to wear the Bedford jersey and experience the atmosphere at Goldington Road, I'm really excited for the upcoming season.
"I want to continue developing as a player and enjoy my rugby again, and I believe Bedford is the place for me to best do that. I can't wait to link up with the squad and get stuck into pre-season, and build on what Mikey and everyone at Bedford has been doing over the last few seasons.
"I'm excited to see what we can do as a squad next season."
The Galway born forward began his rugby journey with Irish province, Leinster and made his debut for the side in November 2016 – featuring on multiple occasions including heavily in the British & Irish Cup.
He joined Nottingham towards the back end of his third year in the Leinster Academy, and shone straightaway to life in Championship Rugby, making 44 appearances for the Green & Whites.
Those performances earnt him his shot at Northampton where he made seven first-team appearances at Franklin’s Gardens.
He also represented Ireland at U20 level from 2013-2015, making 20 appearances and scoring two tries in two U20 World Championship and two U20 Six Nations campaigns.
Speaking about the latest front row option, Forwards Coach, Sean McCarthy said: “Osh has been great for us over the last two seasons when we've had him from Saints. So I'm delighted he'll be with us full time next season.
"He's an experienced operator who's been around the Championship and Premiership for a number of years now and he's also a smart footballer.
"He'll bring a solid foundation to build our scrum around and he also has the ability to play the Bedford Blues style of rugby."
Heffernan concludes a busy week of player announcements with more set to follow next week. In the meantime, consider purchasing a Season Ticket for an exciting 23/24 campaign. BUY YOURS NOW.
