News
Strategic partnership extended with PREM Rugby Champions, Northampton Saints
Bedford Blues can today announce the extension of its strategic partnership with PREM Rugby Champions, Northampton Saints.
The mutually beneficial collaboration, which began in June 2020, has seen Blues and Saints work closely together across a range of playing, coaching and development opportunities.
Last season, a number of Saints’ emerging talents – including Craig Wright, Jonny Weimann, Archie Benson, Aiden Ainsworth-Cave, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Toby Thame and Amena Caqusau – gained valuable senior experience at Goldington Road as part of the run to the Elior Champ Rugby Final.
Those players followed in the footsteps of England internationals Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun, as well as Northampton regulars Tom Litchfield, Tom Lockett, George Hendy and Ed Prowse, all of whom spent time in Bedford while progressing through Saints’ pathway system.
The close relationship between the two clubs continues to deliver benefits both on and off the pitch. Saints’ newly-appointed Defence Coach Jim Henry is the most recent example, having combined roles across both clubs for the past three seasons.
Reece Marshall, a former player of the two sides and who spent some time at Goldington Road last season in a coaching capacity, will join Michael Le Bourgeois and Cameron Boon as part of Mike Rayer’s staff next term.
Blues Director of Rugby, Rayer said: “It’s great to continue this relationship, which has worked incredibly well over the last six years. That’s not just through access to some of the best up and coming talent in England, but also on a coaching level with access to the current trends at the top end of the game.
“Phil [Dowson] has been brilliant to work with, and it’s worked especially well with Michael (Le Bourgeois) and Cam (Cameron Boon) having access to the brains trust at Franklin’s Gardens, particularly now at the start of their coaching journey.
“We’d also like to pass on our best wishes to Jim Henry in his new role. He’s done a phenomenal job here at Goldington Road, both on the field through his defensive and scrum work, and also in keeping everybody in the loop on player availability and personal development.
“This gives Reece Marshall a chance to come in and put his stamp on things defensively, within a senior group environment. He’ll bring the same level of energy and knowledge as he did as a player for both clubs.
“The sharing of ideas and the identity of both sides is clear to see, always looking to move the ball and play attractive rugby. We’re excited to see how we can go further with even more collaborative thinking and progression over the next few years.”
Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson added: “We have a fantastic relationship with Mike, who is hugely respected within the game, and it’s brilliant to have someone of his calibre helping our players develop. Mike comes to Saints matches, we attend Bedford games, and maintaining those close connections is an important part of making the partnership work.
“The way Mike runs things is exactly how it should be. Players don’t get selected for Bedford simply because they come from Saints, they earn their place on merit because Mike believes they deserve to be in the team.”
Mobbs Memorial Match
As part of today’s announcement, Blues and Saints are also delighted to confirm that the 2026 Mobbs Memorial Match will take place on Friday 27 November (KO 7.30pm) at Franklin’s Gardens.
First played in 1921, and staged between the two clubs in its current format since 2024, the match commemorates World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, and First World War hero, Edgar Mobbs.
The match continues to support the charitable aims of the Mobbs Memorial Fund, which promotes the development of age-group rugby across the East Midlands through grants awarded to clubs within East Midlands Rugby Union.
Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman, commented: “The fixture is a really important date in the calendar for both clubs. While our partnership with Bedford continues to provide valuable development opportunities for players and coaches, there is always a competitive edge whenever the two teams meet on the field, and I’m sure supporters can look forward to another entertaining occasion in November.”
David Mobbs, Mobbs Memorial Fund Trustee, added: “The Mobbs Memorial Match is an historic fixture honouring not only Edgar Mobbs but also the many people who lost their lives during the First World War. It is remarkable that his story, values and sacrifice continue to resonate so strongly today.
“The connection between Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints reflects Edgar’s own ties to both clubs, making this a fitting occasion each year. Just as importantly, the match helps support the Mobbs Memorial Fund’s work in developing young rugby players across the East Midlands and encouraging them to stay involved in the game.”
