Bedford Blues have named their squad for the return of competitive rugby this weekend, as the side travel to the north west with one of the toughest possible assignments in Sale Sharks.
While last season’s Premiership runners-up are missing a number of players who are on World Cup duty, they still possess a lot of quality that could cause problems for the Blues but with the pressure off, it gives Mike Rayer’s men the freedom to show what they’re all about on the big stage.
The first of three Premiership clashes
Pool B of the newly-formed Premiership Cup includes Bedford Blues, Ampthill and Caldy from the second tier, along with Sale, Newcastle Falcons and Leicester Tigers from the top.
The Blues travel to Newcastle next Friday night, before hosting their first competitive game at Goldington Road against Caldy on 23rd October.
A trip to resume the Battle of Bedfordshire at Ampthill then follows before a grandstand finish to the pool stage as the Blues host Leicester Tigers at Goldington Road on 7th October.
First however, they must navigate a trip to the Sharks and despite the head-to-head record being level, the Premiership side are big favourites to keep the cup points in Greater Manchester.
Four players could make their competitive debut, with summer arrival Joe Howard chosen in the Number 8 jersey, while the trio of Jamie Jack, Bryan O’Connor and Cameron King will be ready to make an impact from the bench.
Michael Le Bourgeois returns at inside centre after missing Bedford Blues’ impressive pre-season victory against Northampton Saints, while Alex Day continues to take the captain’s armband.
The game kicks off at 5.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Matt Worley, 14. Pat Tapley, 13. Ethan Grayson, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Will Maisey, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Joey Conway, 2. James Fish, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Robin Williams, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Joe Howard
Bedford Blues Replacements:
16. Jacob Fields, 17. Jamie Jack, 18. Bryan O’Connor, 19. Jordan Onojaife, 20. Cameron King, 21. James Lennon, 22. Louis Grimoldby, 23. Seán French
