News
Shay Kerry links up with Bedford
Bedford Blues are pleased to announce further depth in their second row department with the news that Shay Kerry will join up with the squad for the 2024/25 campaign following a short stint in Australia.
The highly experienced 29-year-old, who has featured for clubs in five different countries during his career so far, will return to the UK prior to the club’s pre-season schedule beginning against Blackheath on Friday 26th August.
Speaking out in Australia ahead of heading to Bedford, Kerry said: “Really excited by the opportunity of joining such a prestigious club as Bedford Blues, and grateful to be given this chance by Mike and the coaches.
“I’ve always been impressed by the noise and support of Goldington Road so it will be nice to be on the right side of it this coming season.
“Returning to the Championship is something that excites me and I’ll try to put down a marker in the team this coming season, while trying to integrate my skillset into the Bedford style of play which is an amazing thing to watch in full flow.
“There’s still a job for me to finish out here in Australia but looking forward to meeting some new teammates, and some that I have had the privilege of playing with before. I can’t wait to get stuck in and looking forward to stepping out onto Goldington Road in a couple of weeks. See you soon, #BluesFamily.”
Born in Canterbury, Kerry was a highly skilled footballer and was part of the Millwall Academy before emigrating with his family to New Zealand while in comprehensive school.
He attended Taleri College before moving to Otago Boys High School where he represented North Otago and New Zealand U17s.
A spell at Bay of Plenty followed before he was brought back to England with Worcester Warriors, making five first-team appearances, prior to being on the move again to France.
Three seasons at Oyonnax included winning Pro D2 in 2016-17, then he headed further South to Narbonne.
A move to Ampthill materialised for their first season in the second tier in 2019-20, the one truncated season cut short by COVID-19, but did see him make 17 Championship appearances.
Jersey was his next destination, but he never made a competitive appearance so headed back across the channel to feature in three seasons for Rouen, including when Bedford’s own Dean Adamson also went to France.
In the European off-season, Kerry spent recent times in Major League Rugby with Toronto Arrows. He should have been part of their squad again in the current campaign, but the Canadian side sadly folded prior to the season beginning.
He made 14 appearances for his hometown, Canterbury in 2023-24 before jetting Down Under for this current spell with Hunter Wildfires in the Shute Shield.
Speaking about adding further experience to the forwards pack, Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer added: “Second rows have been really hard to find for next season, so when Shay’s name cropped up, we made contact as soon as possible. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the Championship and Bedford having lived here before. We look forward to seeing him run out here at GR pretty soon.”
Pre-Season fixture dates are already announced, and our league schedule is expected to drop on Monday! Make the right call to join our #BluesFamily with time still left to get a Season Ticket at Early Bird rates. Click here to get yours now.
