Bedford confirm Lee Dickson as player-coach ahead of next season

Bedford Blues have confirmed that former England international Lee Dickson will join the Championship club as a player-coach ahead of the next season.

After spending four years with Newcastle Falcons, Dickson joined Northampton Saints in 2008 and has racked up over 250 appearances for the Aviva Premiership side.

The 32-year-old has also represented the red rose team 18 times between 2012 and 2014 and has started in eight of those matches.

Bedford rugby director Mike Rayer believes the experience of Dickson will be handy for the Championship side.

"To be able to sign a player of Lee's quality is a real coup for the club, and everybody is excited to welcome him and his experience to Goldington Road.

"Lee could easily have stayed in the Premiership, but he has a desire to progress in coaching while continuing to play, and Bedford is the perfect place for him to do so."

Meanwhile, Dickson is hoping to create an impact in his upcoming assignment with the Goldington Road outfit.

"Northampton will always be in my heart, as it is a club I've played for for nine years, but this is professional rugby and you have to look to the future rather than the past.

"I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life with Bedford Blues.

"There is a very talented back-line at Bedford, and I hope that I can pass on some of my experiences to those guys."