Bedford Blues have announced an extension to their strategic partnership with Prem champions, Northampton Saints.
Headlines so far include the resumption of the Mobbs Memorial match on Friday, 27 November and the promotion of Blues’ defence and forwards coach, Jim Henry who joins the Saints on a full-time contract.
This will be the seventh year of the Saints-Blues partnership, which has seen a number of Saints players play at Goldington Road including key members of Northampton’s Prem winners last season in George Hendy, Ed Prowse and the indomitable, Henry Pollock.
The Blues will once again benefit in terms of squad depth this season, with the likes of scrum half, Jonny Weimann and backs Amena Caqusau and Toby Thame primed and ready to make cross-club appearances.
However, the Blues have lost the influence of Jim Henry; the defence coach moving to Franklin’s Gardens on a permanent move, replaced by Reece Marshall, who has previously played for both clubs.
Henry out, Marshall in
Long serving Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer – who heads into his 22nd season in charge at Goldington Road – has been full of praise for Henry as he makes the transition to top tier rugby.
“We’d like to pass on our best wishes to Jim Henry in his new role”, said Rayer.
“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.”
And on the subject of the Saints relationship, Rayer is optimistic about what the future holds.
“It’s great to continue this relationship, which has worked incredibly well over the last six years” he adds.
“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 and Cam having access to the brains trust at Franklin’s Gardens, particularly now at the start of their coaching journey.
“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.”
Mobbs Memorial
The now annual Mobbs Memorial match is also resuming between the two sides, and due to take place on Friday, 27 November.
The 105th edition of the game will be played under the Franklin’s Gardens floodlights, kicking off at 7:30pm and represents a change to the usual pre-season timings.
Last September, the Saints edged the 104th edition 40-28 at Goldington Road, in a game remembering Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Mobbs, who attended Bedford Modern School before going on to play for both clubs, as well as England.
Read: Northampton Saints edge Blues in Mobbs Memorial pre-season clash
Bedford Blues are once again back in Champ Rugby action from 19 September, opening the new season at the home of the reigning champions, Worcester Warriors, who beat them in the play-off final in May.
They will play another 25 games throughout the campaign, including against newcomers Rotherham Titans and Blackheath, who were both promoted from National One.
The pre-season campaign includes fixtures against Cambridge on Friday, 21 August as well as a more challenging game against Bath on Friday, 11 September.
Both games are at Goldington Road with a 7.30pm kick off.
Tickets for all of Bedford Blues’ games can be bought here.
