Three more players have left Bedford Blues this week, making it seven big player departures in all as the Goldington Road outfit looks to make wholesale changes to their squad.
Long serving players Josh Buggea, Ed Taylor and winger Dean Adamson have all left Goldington Road, with Adamson already securing a move to France to play for Rouen, who are currently in the relegation zone in French rugby’s second tier and led by fellow Englishman, Richard Hill.
Adamson, 27, joined the Blues in 2014 on a professional contract following a successful two-year spell in the academy and went on to make 116 appearances, scoring a hefty 82 tries in the process.
Buggea also joined in 2014, turning out for the Blues 129 times, and was a popular name in the changing room, securing the Player’s Player of the Year trophy in 2015-16 and leaves Goldington Road as one of the Blues’ most experienced heads.
Ed Taylor made 81 appearances for Bedford, including a number of appearances as captain, becoming a real team leader in the camp.
Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer, said: “All three players have added a huge amount to the club on and off the field. Thank you to Dean, Josh and Ed for all their hard work and effort having given a combined sixteen years’ service to the club.
“We wish them all the best for the future and hopefully seeing them back at Goldington Road soon.”
Buggea, Taylor and Adamson add to an increasing list of departures with American fly-half Will Hooley, winger Ryan Hutler, hooker Robbie Smith and versatile back, Sam Leeming having already moved on to pastures new, and fans will now be hoping to hear of some new signings soon to replace them.
Saracens –Â relegated from the Premiership last season following their financial breaches –Â announced the signing of Hooley yesterday, with Ryan Hutler and Sam Leeming both snapped up quickly by Championship rivals Jersey Reds, who have signed a whole side’s worth of players since the official end of the season.