Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer is due to lead Bedford Blues for the 500th time this weekend as his side travel to the bottom of the table, London Scottish in the final game of the Championship season.
After 62 appearances as a player in the 1990s, Rayer’s coaching career at Goldington Road began in May 2005 with a 16-16 draw at Otley, going on to win 275 of his 499 games in charge so far.
The Blues remain in fifth following last weekend’s loss at home to Coventry, and with London Scottish winning just one of their nineteen games this season, many will hope they can remain there.
Ealing loanee, James Little, is due to become the 356th player to play under Mike Rayer’s tenure at Goldington Road as he slots in at inside centre; one of six changes made for the final league game of the season.
Will Maisey also returns in the fly-half jersey with Alex Day slotting in alongside him while Joe Atkinson once again takes the captain’s armband in his 50th appearance for the club.
Osman Dimen, Oli Stedman and Bailey Ransom also return to the pack as Rayer has a full-strength squad to pick from for the first time since the opening day of the season.
Rich Lane is still absent, as he continues to make an impact at Bristol Bears while Luke Frost links up with Northampton Saints as they travel to Saracens tomorrow.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Pat Tapley, 13. Jamie Elliott, 12. James Little, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day; 1. Joey Conway, 2. Jacob Fields, 3. Osman Dimen, 4. Jordan Onojaife, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Bailey Ransom, 7. Joe Atkinson (C), 8. Oli Stedman
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Will Biggs, 17. Josh Pieterse, 18. Corrie Barrett, 19. Robin Williams, 20. Tui Uru, 21. Jack Hughes, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Andre Robson
