News
TEAM NEWS | Squad named for Saracens
Mike Rayer has named a 28-man squad as Bedford Blues prepare to contest their final home pre-season friendly, welcoming European Heavyweights Saracens under the Friday Night Lights.
Tickets still available for the BIG game; save £4 by purchasing online simply by clicking here.
After an opening pre-season victory over Blackheath two weeks ago, Rayer’s side are ready for the step up in intensity with two clashes against Premiership opposition in concurrent weeks to prepare for the start of the Championship season later this month.
A first meeting against Saracens at Goldington Road since 2018 is next on the agenda, before the Mobbs Memorial Match at Northampton next week.
Two familiar allies do battle in the latest instalment of a historic fixture, with Rayer again choosing to name an extended squad to get vital minutes into numerous members of his squad.
The Starting XV shows five changes from Blues’ previous run out. Continuation of rotation in the prop jerseys, evidenced heavily last season, continues as Jamie Jack and Bryan O’Connor pack down from the off while Luke Frost is also named to start in the forwards pack.
Blues’ two current highest capped players, Dean Adamson and Michael Le Bourgeois, come into the backs division to complete the changes.
Among the replacements, Northampton Saints duo Nathan Langdon and Kieran Perkins are in line for first minutes at Goldington Road. Jake Garside is also named in the matchday squad.
Jacob Wells, son of former Blue, Jon; will make a guest appearance from the bench.
Joe Howard continues his injury rehabilitation. Shay Kerry is remains unavailable this week, but is targeting a potential debut next week.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Alfie Garside, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Joel Matavesi, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Bryan O’Connor, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Fred Tuilagi
Bedford Blues Replacements:
Joey Conway, Nathan Langdon, Oisin Heffernan, Jacob Wells, James Fish, Kieran Perkins, Cameron King, James Lennon, Will Maisey, Pat Tapley, Jamie Elliott, Jake Garside, Matt Worley
