News
Blues Women Coaching & Training Update
Bedford Blues are pleased to announce the following updates regarding our Women’s team ahead of the 2023/24 NC2 Midlands (South) Division campaign where the team fully transitions to Goldington Road.
Following some social fitness sessions in recent weeks, Bedford Blues Women are scheduled to restart pre-season training tonight (Tuesday 4th July) ahead of the new season.
Due to pitch maintenance at Goldington Road, both the Women’s squad and Mike Rayer’s men’s team will train off-site in the opening few weeks before both return to the hallowed turf in the second week of August.
As part of today’s announcements, the Coaching Team for Bedford Blues Women can now be confirmed for the upcoming season.
Once again, the Women’s side will have joint Head Coaches at the helm and can reveal former Blue Eddie Rennell will join Peter Frost in taking the reins this season, ably supported by a keen group of coaches and support staff.
Frost, who ensures continuity from previous seasons, said: “As the newest team at this level last season, we showed that we’re a good side and we’ll be looking to continue the progression. It will be tough as the league has expanded and become more competitive, but we are excited for the challenge.”
Rennell, returns to Goldington Road following a very successful playing spell at the club during the 1990’s, which saw him make 90 appearances and score 32 tries.
The back rower was part of the squad which reached the Premiership Play-Off Final in 1996/97 and helped pave the way for promotion in the following campaign.
His coaching pathway kicked off when he joined Cambridge as player-coach, before heading to Letchworth for the same role, then transitioning into the Director of Rugby position.
Keen to support his daughter’s transition into the game, Rennell experienced his first taste of Women & Girls Rugby by coaching Hitchin right the way up to U18 level. During that time, he also coached Hertfordshire U15s and U18s Girls and this year supported the Senior Women’s side who participated in the County Championship.
On returning to Goldington Road and joining Blues Women, he added: “I'm absolutely delighted to be back at Bedford to help coach Bedford Blues Women. I have followed their progress over the last couple of seasons from their inception and have been impressed by how they have gelled as a squad.
“I am very passionate about women & girls rugby and with the full backing of the club, I look forward to seeing how we can grow both these sections in the coming years. Bedford is a great rugby town and I hope now the women have moved to Goldington Road permanently, we will get that support down to cheer us on.”
Bedford Blues would like to thank former scrum-half, Darryl Veenendaal for his time and efforts last season and wish him every success in his next chapter, which includes staying involved with rugby in Bedfordshire as he continues as Head Coach at Bedford Queens.
As announced back in March, Abi Simpson has ascended to the role of Head of Women & Girls Rugby. Jo Gray continues in her role as Team Manager.
Next season, Bedford Blues Women will compete in an eight-team division, including some new opposition and familiar faces. An announcement including a full league fixture list will be made on Thursday.
There is still opportunity to join our thriving Women’s section ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Contact Blueswomen@bedfordrugby.co.uk for details.
