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Blues confirm summer departures
Bedford Blues can today confirm nine departures from Goldington Road following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
With a combined total of over 600 appearances and 100 tries, all have played a pivotal role during their respective time at the club.
The club’s longest serving current player, Pat Tapley, calls time on an 11-year stint having struggled with injury this season. Tappers, who celebrated 2023/24 as a Testimonial Season, scored 64 tries from 144 appearances.
Local lad Jamie Elliott, who re-joined permanently for 2021/22, following a previous shorter stint, has sadly missed the entirety of this season through injury, but will remain in the town working for club partners, Bullerwell Insurance.
The 42nd player to receive international honours while at Goldington Road, Matt Worley will head permanently to Hong Kong as they attempt to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
A mainstay in the forward pack, Luke Frost has been ever present in the squad since arrival ahead of 2021/22 and has taken the difficult decision to re-locate to London with his other half and work opportunities.
Jac Arthur recently hit the 50-appearance milestone and while injury has disrupted his four seasons at Goldington Road, his performances when fit have been monumental and will be a huge miss to the squad dynamic.
Back row duo, Joe Howard and Cameron King, arrived two years ago and have become crowd favourites with many match winning displays; Howard completing his debut season by winning the prestigious Players’ Player of the Year award.
Alfie Garside arrived at the start of this season and has barely missed a minute, getting some rare opportunities to feature alongside his brother, Jake when the young Saints speedster has headed across to Goldington Road.
Joel Matavesi’s venture across the channel was confirmed last month with the enigmatic centre having recovered from injury to finish the season on a high.
At yesterday’s End of Season Gala Dinner, all nine players were presented with a special jersey, including their ‘Blues Brother’ number, that being the order of which they first represented Blues in the club’s illustrious 139-year history.
Jac Arthur - #3770
Jamie Elliott - #3682
Luke Frost - #3747
Alfie Garside - #3828
Joe Howard - #3801
Cam King - #3798
Joel Matavesi - #3762
Pat Tapley - #3589
Matt Worley - #3696
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer, said: “It’s always a sad time of the year when players leave the Club. These boys have given everything for us throughout their time here and we’ll look to give them all a good send off in the coming weeks. We wish them all the best and hopefully our paths cross again in the future.”
#OnceABlueAlwaysABlue​
