The Bedford Blues Supporters Club will be out in force this weekend, as they take two full coaches with over 100 away fans to Ellgia Fields in Cambridge for the Blues’ latest Elior Champ Rugby clash on Saturday (28 March).
The bumper away following has come after a sustained drive from the dedicated group behind the Supporters Club, sponsored by the Beard Group and their director, Russell Beard who have been front and centre of funding the latest away trip.
The Bedford Blues Supporters Club was formed in 2025 after charity, ‘Friends of the Blues’ and the 76-year old, Bedford Rugby Followers Association merged to become one entity, offering discounted travel to the Blues’ away games throughout the largest ever second tier season.
The first Followers away trip was on 7 October 1950, taking two coaches to Gloucester and they have been at the forefront of away travel ever since, including arranging a mighty 40 coaches to the 2006 Powergen National Trophy final against Harlequins.
Now, they will hope to cheer the Blues over the line, as Mike Rayer’s side look to recover from a disappointing performance against Nottingham at Goldington Road on Saturday (21 March), as they once again gave up second place to Worcester.
Read: Disappointing Blues lose second place again after Nottingham defeat
Fragile Cambridge there for the taking
Those lucky enough to secure a spot on one of two sold out Supporters Club coaches will be treated to a breakfast in the Scrum Bar from 11:00 on Saturday, before the coaches leave for Cambridge at midday, with the clash kicking off at 14:00.
Upon return to Goldington Road, a free drinks voucher and pizza await back in the Scrum Bar, before the players and coaching staff join them for the traditional Supporters Club man of the match presentation, and a Q&A with the protagonists.
Tickets for the Supporters Club coaches are sold out, but there is a waiting list for those who wish to chance their luck on any drop out. All fans are welcome in the Scrum bar post game, while the Blues will be hoping as many fans as possible join them to show their support.
“This has all been possible thanks to the generous sponsorship from The Beard Group and Russell Beard in particular”, said Supporters Club chairman, Andy Williams.
“We are really pleased with the numbers and are expecting a great day and ideally, a win for the Blues!”
The coach(es) load of Blues fans will be hoping for a repeat of last season, when the Blues ran in 11 tries to thrash Cambridge 73-15 at Ellgia Fields en route to claiming second place, although the Blood and Sand ran Bedford close earlier this season at Goldington Road.
Read: Bedford Blues survive Cambridge scare to extend unbeaten Champ Rugby run
Cambridge look set to be relegated back to National One, having lost 19 of their 20 fixtures so far, with their only success coming from a 12-12 draw against Doncaster Knights in January, plus a handful of bonus points.
They have also conceded 163 points in their last three games, including a 76-10 mauling at Worcester last time out, so the Blues will look to attack from the off in responding from what was an abject performance against Nottingham.
The stars are aligned for what should be an entertaining occasion in Cambridge this weekend.
You can find out more about the plethora of activity at the Bedford Blues Supporters Club via their website here, while the Blues’ next home fixture at Goldington Road is against Cornish Pirates on Saturday, 4 April.
