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TEAM NEWS | Squad named for cup opener
Mike Rayer has named his squad as Bedford Blues prepare to begin their Premiership Rugby Cup adventure for the 2024/25 campaign with a trip to Bristol Bears tomorrow (KO 3pm).
Tickets still available for the trip to the West Country; purchase yours here.
A fixture with just under 100 years of history, Blues head to Ashton Gate for the first time since 2018 looking to pick up a Premiership scalp in this season’s competition, after battling bravely against Sale and Newcastle before triumphing over Leicester in 23/24.
These two sides played out a thrilling 87 point cracker back in March, a useful mid-season exercise for both clubs, and another exciting afternoon is expected in what is an 83rd meeting overall.
Rayer elects to make eight changes from the side which secured an important victory last time out against Doncaster Knights at the annual Goldington Road Ladies Day festivities.
There are four alterations in both the forwards and backs divisions, with the headline news seeing Joe Howard leading out the side for the first time as captain.
Will Glister is handed a competitive Blues debut on the right wing, plus there’s first starts for Beltus Nonleh at tighthead prop and Archie Benson at Number 8.
Having been chosen to start at full-back, Matt Worley will make his 100th Bedford appearance, while James Fish is in line to bring up 50 from the bench.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Will Glister, 13. Alfie Garside, 12. Lucas Titherington, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. James Lennon; 1. Joey Conway, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Beltus Nonleh, 4. Shay Kerry, 5. George Smith, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Joe Howard (C), 8. Archie Benson
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. James Fish, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Oisin Heffernan, 19. Rory Ward, 20. Jac Arthur, 21. Alex Day, 22. Louis James, 23. Joel Matavesi
Unavailable For Selection:
Alex Woolford, Fred Tuilagi, Jamie Elliott, Pat Tapley
