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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Tigers clash
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues look to end their Premiership Rugby Cup campaign on the strongest possible footing when they welcome European heavyweights Leicester Tigers to Goldington Road tomorrow (Gates Open 12pm; KO 3pm).
Bumper crowd expected but some tickets still available; click here to purchase before it’s too late!
A first meeting between the two teams for 23 years, Bedford v Leicester is one of the most historic fixtures in English rugby since a first meeting in Blues’ formative year of 1886. Throughout the early to mid-1900s, the sides regularly opened their seasons against each other and have met on 134 previous occasions.
Ahead of this next clash, which gives Bedford a final chance to test themselves against Premiership opposition before heading into Championship action later this month; Director of Rugby, Rayer makes nine changes when continuing his theme of rest and rotation throughout the cup tournament.
Six of those alterations come in the forwards pack as Robin Williams and Cameron King are the only players to retain their spots after last weekend’s derby victory over Ampthill.
In the backs division, Tom Litchfield is handed his first start of the season in Blues colours, while Will Maisey and Matt Worley are also restored to the Starting XV.
Having been named among the replacements, Luke Frost is set for his 50th club appearance.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Sean French, 13. Tom Litchfield, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. James Lennon; 1. Jamie Jack, 2. James Fish (C), 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Robin Williams, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Joe Howard, 7. Kieran Curran, 8. Cameron King
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Jacob Fields, 17. Joey Conway, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Jordan Onojaife, 20. Luke Frost, 21. Jac Arthur, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Jordan Venter
