Another rugby union season is upon us, and the action down at Goldington Road begins earlier than usual as Bedford Blues stalwart, Dean Adamson celebrates his testimonial year with the honour of leading out his side in the pre-season opener against Blackheath on Friday (15 August).
Adamson, who last year became the Blues’ all-time leading try scorer, will captain an extended 28-man squad as Mike Rayer’s side welcome Blackheath for a second consecutive season after they put up an excellent account of themselves in a 34-24 pre-season defeat last season.
Read: Bedford Blues begin new season with tight victory against Blackheath
Other than a single campaign in France with Rouen in 2021/22, Adamson has been a consistent presence in the Blues back line since his debut in 2014 after joining from near rivals, Ampthill and will once again be a threat from the left wing in the coming months.
He will be one of many familiar faces in blue in Friday night’s opener, but the squad has once again had a refresh ahead of the new Champ Rugby season which begins on 4 October against reigning champions, Ealing Trailfinders at Goldington Road.
Among the plethora of new faces is former Leicester man, George Worth; the versatile back joins from Valence Romans who play in France’s second tier, and he brings considerable Premiership experience with him having appeared for the Tigers on 62 occasions.
There are also some names of old, including Ryan Hutler who returns to Goldington Road after five years away as part of successful sides in Jersey Reds and Coventry, as well as local lad, Kayde Sylvester who has joined from a plentiful season at Cambridge.
Fan favourite, Tui Uru has also made the return trip from France to Bedford after joining from Chambéry in the French D2 league.
All four are in Friday night’s starting fifteen.
Nicholas Finch is the only brand new name in the Bedford Blues starting pack for Friday’s clash having also joined from the French second division, but fellow new faces, Tom Price and Archie Hosking will surely come off the bench to try and impress.
Northampton Saints academy players, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Jack Lawrence and Billy Pasco are also all named in a large selection of replacements, alongside summer trialists, Ollie Holliday and Joe Hill as Blues fans will be treated to a large selection of new faces at Goldington Road.
Tickets are still available to purchase online here, with the clash at Goldington Road kicking off at 8pm.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Ryan Hutler, 13. George Worth, 12. Lucas Titherington, 11. Dean Adamson (C), 10. Will Maisey, 9. James Lennon; 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Oisin Heffernan, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Kayde Sylvester, 7. Nicholas Finch, 8. Tui Uru
Bedford Blues Replacements:
Joey Conway, James Fish, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Jack Lawrence, Ollie Holliday, Archie Hosking, Fred Tuilagi, Alex Day, Tom Price, Billy Pasco, Ryan Apps, Joe Hill
