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Alfie Garside joins Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues are pleased to announce further competition in the backs division with the acquisition of Alfie Garside for the 2024/25 Championship campaign, following the completion of his Masters Degree at Bath University.
The 23-year-old made over 40 appearances in BUCS Super Rugby during his studies, including helping Bath reach the post-season semi-finals in the most recent campaign, falling to defeat against eventual finalists, Exeter.
Spending the majority of his time on the wing, Garside has also featured on a number of occasions at 13 and to a lesser extent, 10 so will provide a great deal of versatility to Mike Rayer’s options.
Brother of fan favourite, Jake; Garside spent a season at Bury St Edmunds in National Two while taking a gap year before beginning his university journey.
The two brothers played together for the first time at senior level last season in Northampton Saints’ friendly with South African side Stormers back in March, and they will look to do so again at Goldington Road next season should Jake be sent across again on dual-reg.
Speaking about making the move to the second-tier for the first time, Garside said: “Nothing but excitement about joining Bedford Blues and I can’t wait to get started, a big step up to Championship level but I’m ready for the challenge.
“Speaking with my brother, Jake; he always talks about how much he enjoys it at Bedford so really looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting new teammates next week for the start of pre-season.
“There’s nowhere that gets a crowd like Bedford. Excited to learn from the likes of Michael Le Bourgeois and Jamie Elliott who I spent years watching on the TV; it’s pretty surreal to be honest but the perfect opportunity for my development.”
Director of Rugby, Rayer added: “Met Alfie last year actually so we were aware of him and he's been on our radar for some time.
"Now he's completed his Masters, it was the right opportunity. There's plenty of raw ability about him and his versatility is a bonus in those outside backs positions."
Join Alfie on the journey for 2024/25 with a Bedford Blues Season Ticket! Now available to purchase; click here for all the details ahead of another exciting second-tier campaign.
