News
Dan Eckersley becomes first new arrival
Bedford Blues are pleased to announce the first new face joining the #BluesFamily as Dan Eckersley makes the short hop over to Goldington Road having spent the previous Elior Champ Rugby campaign at Cambridge.
The 24-year-old, who operates at openside flanker, was one of Cambridge’s standout performers last season, making 24 appearances and chipping in with seven tries.
On making the move to Bedford, Eckersley said: “I’m over the moon to be joining a club like Bedford and I can’t wait to get stuck in and get to the know the boys, coaches and wider staff.
“What the club has been able to do in recent years has been really impressive, so I’m looking forward to getting going. From what I’ve heard about the Blues Family, and the atmosphere the fans bring home and away, it’s extremely exciting.
“I’m looking forward to the new challenge and seeing what the year brings.”
Highly effective on both sides of the ball, Eckersley came in with 484 carry metres and 38 defenders beaten last season to be named Players’ Player of the Year at Ellgia Fields.
Also named Cambridge’s Defensive Player of the Season, he made 361 tackles, completed 25 turnovers and most impressively made 536 ruck entries – the third most across Elior Champ Rugby in 2025/26.
Prior to his solitary season at Cambridge, Eckersley made a couple of appearances for Wasps, where he came through their academy.
From there, he made more than 50 appearances across Loughborough Students and Loughborough University in the BUCS Super Rugby and then National League Two.
He has also been capped for England at U17, U18 and U20 levels.
Forwards Coach, Cameron Boon added: “Dan is somebody we’re really excited to bring on board. Despite a tough year for Cambridge, his performances and competitiveness really stood out.
“What excites us most is his age profile and his desire to keep improving as a rugby player. We’re looking forward to bringing him into our environment and seeing him immerse himself in the Bedford style of play.”
Blues would like to thank Ceetak for their player sponsorship of Eckersley into next season.
