News
Worley commits to Bedford
After five forward re-signings so far in a third week of player announcements, Bedford Blues are pleased today to turn attentions to the backs division with the news that Matt Worley has pledged his future for 2024/25.
The 26-year-old – kindly supported by Rawlinson Pryde & Partners – will head into his sixth full season at Goldington Road having initially joined the club on dual registration for the concluding matches of the 2018/19 campaign.
In an upcoming season with lots of players expected to join the illustrious century club, such is the continuity again within the squad, Worley will likely be the next to reach that milestone with current statistics of 35 tries from 93 appearances.
On agreeing to continue his spell at Goldington Road, Worley said: “I've called Bedford home for a number of seasons now and there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Continuity is a key theme again this season so that can only be a good thing, with a few new additions hopefully injecting some good hunger into the place as well.
"I would like to reach 100 caps at Bedford. I think most players want to do that at any club but to do it here would mean a lot. Hopefully that comes next season."
Two years ago, Worley became the 42nd player to receive international honours while contracted to Bedford as he helped Hong Kong lift the Asia Rugby Championship title before featuring regularly in the subsequent timeframe for double figure appearances and many important tries or points off the tee.
Those exploits on the global stage came as a result of some mightily consistent performances over a number of years at club level, with Worley making the full-back jersey his own in 23/24.
With the departure of Sean French this Summer, his versatility across the back line may be utilised to beneficial effect throughout the campaign with a genuine ability to play at wing, 13 or even as covering scrum half if needed.
The 26-year-old is set to be the fourth longest serving player in the current crop at Mike Rayer’s disposal having agreed his new deal.
On keeping Worley in Bedford for another season, Director of Rugby, Rayer commented: “When you’re in tough battles, you need some ‘X Factor’, and Magic brings that in abundance on his day.
“He’s very much a confidence player, but a lot of the squad are. He has outstanding speed, great footwork and good awareness as we saw with the try for Sean French down at Pirates with his chip ahead and then fly kicking it back in field.
“On his day, I believe he is the best wing / full-back / 13 potentially in the Championship because he has that real raw pace, and speed. He’s got a great skillset, some work ons in there too, but he’s very self-aware of that.
“It’s great to have lads who want to be in that 100 club and want to play for this club for a long time. He’s a talent and he proves it year in, year out.”
