Bedford School have confirmed that Northampton Saints captain and England international, Fraser Dingwall is returning to coach the rugby first team, committing to a two-year contract.
Dingwall, 27, was a student at the school from 2013-2017 before embarking on a professional career that has seen him win ten England caps as well as being named the captain of English champions, Northampton Saints.
The school originally made the announcement in front of almost 2,000 fans at Goldington Road as Bedford School’s first team opened their season under the floodlights against an impressive Rugby School on 4 September.
Read: Bedford School against Rugby School attracts 2,000 fans to Goldington Road
Speaking about his return to Bedford School, Fraser commented, “I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’ll be returning to my old school this season as coach for the 1st XV with Mr Hinkins and Mr Stewart.
“Having spent many years here as a pupil myself, it’s a real privilege to be coming back and giving something back to a place that played such an important role in my own development, both on and off the field.
“The school has always been a very special place to me, and I have some fantastic memories from my time here, so the opportunity to return in this role is something I’m incredibly excited about.”
Appointed Northampton Saints captain at the beginning of this season after the departure of another Bedford School ‘OB’ in George Furbank, Dingwall will mix captaincy duties with coaching duties in what could be a packed union season for the centre.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and to working with the players and coaching staff”, added Fraser.
“From what I’ve been told there’s a great group of players coming through, and I’m excited to help them develop, enjoy their rugby and, most importantly, play with confidence and pride.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone around the school and, hopefully, sharing a really successful and memorable season together.”
“Hugely inspirational”
Bedford School’s first team have played two games so far this season. The 42-12 loss at Goldington Road against Rugby School was followed up with a narrow 28-22 defeat at Oundle in another Friday night fixture.
There are still plenty of games to go in what are still the early stages of the new season, with Bedford School headteacher, Michael Sloan welcoming Fraser’s experience and affinity to boost them in words spoken following the occasion at Goldington Road.
“Fraser is not only one of the finest rugby players to come through Bedford School in recent years, but also an outstanding role model for our boys”, added Bedford School headteacher, Michael Sloan.
“His achievements on the national and international stage speak for themselves, but what makes this so special is his willingness to return and inspire the next generation.”
The first team are back in action this Friday (18 September) as they resume what is the world’s oldest running schoolboy fixture in the world against Oakham School, before home games against Radley College and Dulwich College.
