The fixture list for the new season of Champ Rugby – formerly the RFU Championship – has been released as Bedford Blues face their longest ever league campaign with the competition increasing to 14 teams for 2025/26.
And the challenges start immediately as Bedford Blues kick off their season against reigning champions, Ealing Trailfinders at Goldington Road on Saturday 4 October; the first of a mammoth league season, which also finishes against Ealing on 9 May 2026.
A trip to old rivals, Coventry follows on 11 October before Hartpury visit Goldington Road on 18 October.
The first Battle of Bedfordshire at Ampthill precedes a home game against an always strong, Doncaster Knights; finishing a tricky looking opening month for Mike Rayer’s side.
Other notable fixtures include the return of the famous Boxing Day clash at Goldington Road, where the Blues will welcome National One champions, Richmond with Bedford hosting Worcester Warriors for the first time on 20 December.
It’s been all change in the world of English rugby’s second tier, following a rebrand and a revamp of competition rules, which sees the league expand to 14 teams.
Read: Bedford Blues to face Worcester Warriors as Championship increases to 14 teams
Read: RFU announce revamped ‘Champ Rugby’ competition but promotion criteria remain
A trip to the Sixways in Worcester comes towards the end of the campaign – on Saturday 11 April – and is one of 26 league fixtures as the Blues aim for a top six spot to take them through to May’s play-offs.
Bedford Blues’ full fixture list for the 2025/26 Champ Rugby season can be found here.
New signings continue
Mike Rayer and his team continue to build their squad for the coming season, welcoming three more new signings in the past week.
Former Leicester Tigers full back, George Worth is perhaps the stand out signing of the off-season so far; the versatile back joins from Valence Romans who play in France’s second tier, but he does have considerable Premiership experience having appeared for the Tigers on 62 occasions.
“I’d been keeping an eye on Bedford’s results ever since speaking to Mike and the boys were winning every week, so it’s an environment that I’m really keen to get involved with, and hopefully add to,” said Worth on his new transfer.
“My home isn’t too far away from Bedford which helps, the style of play suits my game, and the competitiveness of the squad is exciting.
“The backs division is pretty settled and were extremely successful last season so it’s going to be tough to break into the squad. It’s on me to put my best foot forward when we meet.
“I’m going to fly into it and see where it leaves me.”
24-year old, Archie Hosking also joins the pack at Goldington Road, while former Bedford Modern student turned winger, Rafe Witheat also joins on a permanent basis from Northampton Saints.
The Blues have also announced former Saracens lock, Cameron Boon as their new forwards coach, replacing the departed Tom Cruse who has joined the new setup at Worcester Warriors.
Read: Forwards coach Cruse to leave Bedford Blues for Worcester Warriors
“What Cruser [Tom Cruse] did was amazing, creating that big punch in the maul attack,” says Boon.
“That message won’t change, it’s about doing the same thing and creating a foundation to get it right more often.
“Everyone who comes to Bedford always gives a glowing review and I’m really excited about this season.”
The Blues’ pre-season begins with the Dean Adamson testimonial match against Blackheath on Friday 15 August, before a trip to Cornwall to face Cornish Pirates on 29 August.
European finalists, Northampton Saints once again visit Goldington Road for the Mobbs Memorial match on 5 September before the first of what will be at least three Battle of Bedfordshire clashes against Ampthill complete the schedule on 20 September.
Season tickets along with the new campaign’s matchday tickets can all be found via the Bedford Blues website here.
