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MATCH FOCUS | England U21 Women v France this Sunday
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International rugby returns to Goldington Road this Sunday as England U21 Women host their French counterparts in the final round of the 2026 U21s Six Nations Series (Gates Open 12pm; KO 3pm).
Big Game Preview
This year has seen the very first integration of the U21 Women’s Six Nations Series, where each nation plays three fixtures in a pre-determined structure.
The visiting French side head to Goldington Road as the favourites, currently topping the table. Les Bleuettes have scored 189 points so far in the competition, conceding just five.
Guillaume Lafont’s team have a remarkable record at this age grade and haven’t suffered defeat since 2018. They also won the two previous formative editions of this tournament.
Looking to upset the record books and write their own history is LJ Lewis’ England side, who have won one and lost one of their two fixtures to date. They have also been free scoring with 15 tries, including three apiece for star players Carmela Morrall and Solana Shaw De Lyon.
Backed by a loud home crowd, the future Red Roses will be looking to end the competition on a high.
International Rugby Returns to Goldington Road
Goldington Road has staged five international clashes in recent years, most recently in April 2024 as England Deaf defeated their Welsh counterparts to lift the Broadstreet Cup.
England have a proud record on the hallowed turf to defend, having also won respective Men’s U19s, U20s, England ‘A’ and a Women’s Quilter International, all of which against Italy.
This will be the first time a French international side has featured in Bedford.
Hospitality
LAST CHANCE – Secure yourself some of the best seats in the house with places available in The Burrow at the Blues; featuring a fantastic Chicken George street food style menu and private viewing area of the main event.
Please click the button below to speak to our Commercial team or click here to purchase individual tickets for this venue.
Food & Drink
Head to the ground early as gates open at 12pm and sample everything we have to offer!
PLEASE NOTE: The CMC Marquee and Legends Bar will be closed on Sunday. There are still five public bars, however, with the Scrum Bar, Former Players, Cabin Bar, Horsebox Bar and Chalet Bar all in operation.
The Genesis Fanzone remains ever popular with accompanying Ice Cream Van joining No.7 Coffee, The Burger & Sausage Hut and bar. Additional catering outlets are available by the main entrance, Chicken George at the Burrow window and Taylor’s Kitchen from the Scrum Hall serving hatch.
Get to your seat or position early as red pyrotechnics lead England out of the changing rooms, before the national anthems.
Blues Foundation Activation
Sunday’s Guard of Honour will be composed of junior girls teams from Bedford Junior Blues, Ampthill, Old Northamptonians and Northampton Casuals. Make sure to give them a cheer as they step out onto the pitch to form the pre-match tunnel for both countries.
Fancy supporting our charitable arm in the easiest of ways? There are several Eco Cup collection bins now dotted around GR so drop yours on departure to raise vital funds for Blues Foundation.
First time visitor to Goldington Road?
With this a first international fixture at Goldington Road for over two years, new visitors are once again expected. Click below to read our ‘Guide to GR’ with all the additional information you might need for your trip to Bedford.
Club Shop
Take home a souvenir from your trip to Bedford with something for everyone inside the Blues Club Shop this weekend. Open from one hour before kick-off, half-time and after the final whistle.
Ticketing
Take advantage of our online discounts on adult tickets in advance of matchday. Click here to purchase.
The Goldington Road Ticket Office remains a cashless facility, so if buying on matchday, be aware we cannot accept cash and this is only place to purchase.


