Bedford Blues: A step before superstar?
Bedford Blues are an extremely interesting club with a very intriguing history. Their history is certainly chequered with highs and lows.
Bedford RUFC was founded in 1886, it was formed by the coming together of two local sides, Bedford Rovers and Bedford Swifts. The early performances of this newly formed side were impressive to say the least. Recording just one loss in their first season losing out to Leicester. Also losing just once in their second season this time to a select London XV.
However even these performances were overshadowed by the 1893/94 season when the clubs soaring reputation enticed the likes of Stade Francais and the Barbarians to travel to Bedford. Much like every other side that came to Bedford that season, Stade and the Barbarians both lost, 22-0 and 7-3 in front of great crowds. Bedford's record that year stood at played 29, won 27, drew 1 and lost 1. Their only loss coming in the shape of an additional game played for Easter Monday against Coventry, when a somewhat under strength side lost 12-0.
After struggling to survive as a club through both world wars Bedford did manage to bring some silverware to Goldington Road winning the Sunday Telegraph English-Welsh Rugby Table in the 1969/70 season and beating Rosslyn Park at Twickenham in front of 18,000 people for the Knock-Out Cup in 1975. However after this there were few successes for The Blues. When the leagues started in 1987/88 Bedford were in Division 2 getting promoted to Division 1 before getting relegated immediately and ultimately ending up in Division 3.
The Club Turned Professional at the start of the 1996/97 season subsequently winning the Allied Dunbar Division 2 in 1998 after some investment from Boxing promoter Frank Warren and Sports Network.
In 1999 the club was sold to Jefferson Lloyd International. Which proved to be a devastating move financially almost resulting in Bedford's premier club being moved towns. Following intervention by the RFU in October 1999 a consortium of Bedford businessmen headed by David Ledsom, Geoff Irvine and David Gunner with assistance from Bedford Borough Council and other professional people, the transfer of the club to Bedford Blues Ltd. was organised.
Bedford is now a viable club after several thousand supporters and businesses in the town bought shares. The club is now enjoying a great reputation as the club to learn your trade having fielded some great names in Premiership and international rugby just before they hit the big time. Proving themselves to be one of the best platforms for performance. Many English players going on to gain international recognition. Such as-
Dan Cole
The 24 year old England and Leicester Prop spent two seasons on loan at Bedford Blues making 16 starts in 06/07 and 11 in 07/08 gaining invaluable experience at the club at the tender age of 19. We can now see the impact of this experience as Cole made his Tigers debut in 2007 in a cup tie at Bath, having been performing for Bedford and proving himself as a formidable tight head. Cole has since gone on to play for England 16 times and earned himself a call-up to the England World Cup Training Squad.
Owen Farrell
The promising young fly-half/centre is now an Aviva Premiership Champion and involved in the England Under 20's set up. Farrell is dual registered with Saracens and Bedford Blues. Farrell made his debut for Bedford in a 51-3 victory over Plymouth Albion. After some impressive displays for Bedford, Farrell broke into the Sarries first team before playing in the Aviva Premiership Final scoring 17 of Saracens 22 points on the day. This has all stemmed from his time with Bedford Blues and the vital first team experience he gained there.
Billy Twelvetrees
Once again a young and exciting back, Twelvetrees is a centre with everything going for him. Receiving an England Saxons call this year and making several first team appearances for Leicester. Bedford Blues have undoubtedly had a huge hand in this after picking him up when the Tigers released him from their academy deeming him surplus to requirements. Twelvetrees went on to put together a string of superlative performances for Bedford including a four try blitz in his debut against Manchester in the 08/09 season. Billy became adored by the Blues contingent for his performances, his guile and his unfaltering composure. I am sure that all Bedford Blues fans are happy for him and his current successes.
Mouritz Botha
The towering second row born in South Africa made waves in English rugby with Bedford Blues in 2006 where he amassed 57 appearances after coming through the ranks at Bedford Athletic. Botha was hugely rated by Bedford and considered a linchpin in the side. Since joining Saracens Botha has had two very good seasons culminating in being crowned premiership champions and getting called up to the England World Cup training squad. Which is something I'm sure the Blues fans knew he was capable of when he was named 2008 player of the year for Bedford.
Bedford's assistance of the production of great Rugby players isn't just a recent thing nor is it restricted to players in the England fold. Soane Tonga'uiha, Scott Murray, Andy Gommarsall, Paul Sackey and the legendary Martin Bayfield have all appeared for Bedford Blues and have all had success at international level.
You can see Bedford have a rich history of helping players achieve greatness and having a hand in their development.
Bedford Blues can be very proud of what they have achieved in Rugby and can be equally proud of all that these players have achieved after stepping out for Bedford Blues RFC.
