The Bedford Blues Podcast

After a fantastic fourth placed finish in the 22/23 campaign, we catch up with Blues Women trio Emma Graham, Lucy Middleton and Emily McBarron to talk all the latest developments for the side, which includes a permanent move to Goldington Road this Summer. 

As Bedford Blues prepare to return to Championship league action, we catch up with Dean Adamson on the eve of his 150th club appearance which falls as 4th v 5th with the visit of Doncaster Knights under the Friday Night Lights. 

We're almost halfway through the season with just two fixtures remaining to see out 2022; starting with Jersey Reds on Saturday and the sell-out Boxing Day clash with Ampthill at Goldington Road.  A journey over to the island is always a different experience, and we'll be taking several members of the squad on the flight for their first experience of Jersey. Ahead of the game, we speak to two of those, Monty Royston and Charles Rylands, to talk all the current goings on at Goldington Road ahead of two extremely difficult fixtures. 

As Bedford Blues prepare to return to Goldington Road on Saturday against Hartpury University, we catch up with several members of the squad to hear reports ahead of the game.  Firstly, Alex Woolford talks his desire to return from injury sooner rather than later; then we hear from Ethan Grayson and Head of Strength and Conditioning, Jamie Bain who both discuss the upcoming set of fixtures.  Finally, Sean French stars in the 'When We Were Young' segment.   

It feels like only yesterday that the 2021/22 campaign came to a close, yet here we are, one round of Championship fixtures already complete in the new season as we eagerly prepare for our home league opener against London Scottish.  Blues duo Alex Day and Will Maisey - as well as Performance Analyst, Jake McKenzie - all deconstruct last weekend's battle at Coventry, while previewing this weekend's contest which brings about our Goldington Road Family Fun Day.  To conclude the episode, Jack Hughes answers some quickfire 'Firsts & Lasts'.  

This summer, Matt Worley became the 42nd player to receive international recognition while contracted to Bedford Blues; scoring three tries in two games for Hong Kong where he had spent most of his childhood.  On his return to Blues training ready for the 2022/23 campaign, he spoke of his international experience and how he wants to continue his purple patch of form in the upcoming season. 

The players are back in pre-season training ready for the 2022/23 Championship campaign with 28 league and cup fixtures set to come over an exciting nine months.  This season's core squad consists of 17 players who remain from last season, four new faces and the heralded return of our former captain and century club inductee, Michael Le Bourgeois. Ahead of the new season and in the midst of our first week back in pre-season, we've caught up with Booj to discuss his return to Goldington Road, what he learnt from his spell at premiership heavyweights Wasps and why taking a player-coach role at Bedford is the perfect next stage of transition in his career.

A shorter Blues Podcast this time as we have a brief catch-up with Will Maisey after our influential fly-half was named Players' Player of the Year at the Bedford Blues End of Season Club Dinner.  It's been a fantastic 24 hours for Maisey who has also penned a new contract ready for the 2022/23. He talks pride at winning such a prestigious award, hopes the new campaign as well as paying tributes to his fiancé and parents for their support during his career. 

The business end of the season is always tinged with sadness as players come and go right the way across the Championship, including here at Goldington Road as Joe Atkinson has announced his impending retirement.  Ahead of a potential Goldington Road farewell, Atko sits down to discuss his time at Goldington Road, his desire to complete his career with some silverware and his greatest memories from nearly a decade plying his trade in Championship Rugby. 

A very special Blues Podcast this month as we hear from Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer who recently celebrated his 500th match in charge of the club.  Rayer talks all issues past, present and future as he dissects his seventeen campaigns in the hot seat - picking out his favourite moments, discussing the challenges of remaining in post for so long and why he still has the desire to carry on and continue producing quality, attacking rugby at Goldington Road.  There's also a word on the current Championship Cup within which Blues will next face Nottingham in their Round One Second Leg tie at GR on St George's Day. Make sure to pack the stands and get behind the team to ensure the quest for silverware continues for at least another round.   

With a packed March planned at Goldington Road, the Blues Podcast has been split into two episodes this month.  Later this month, former fly-half Billy Twelvetrees is set to return to Goldington Road as part of his Gloucester Rugby Testimonial celebrations in what will be our first sportsman's dinner since the COVID-19 Pandemic began.  Ahead of the evening at the home of Bedford's premier sporting club, Billy talks about his time at Goldington Road during the 2008/09 season, his overall career and some of the topical Championship debates that have come to fruition this week. 

Following the fantastic victory over Ealing Trailfinders, attentions quickly turn to the visit of Cornish Pirates to Goldington Road on Saturday.  We catch up with two of the try scorers from the joyous day in the capital, Jamie Elliott and Matt Worley, who talk attempts to go the remainder of the Championship league season unbeaten with four fixtures left to contest. Elsewhere, Alex Woolford features 'In The Spotlight' as he returns to full fitness from injury and becomes available for selection on Saturday.     

As Bedford Blues prepare to face Hartpury University at Goldington Road on Saturday, we hear from five members of our forwards pack who preview the big game and look to return to winning ways.  First, we hear reports from four players who have been living together this season; Luke Frost, Joey Conway, Tui Uru & Robin Williams. They discuss recent results and determination to secure a first victory of 2022, while also talking house dynamics including who's the messiest! Then Bailey Ransom features 'In The Spotlight' as he talks pride at representing Bedford, his debut Championship campaign and ambitions for the rest of the season.  Finally, we head back to the players house who conclude with a fun game to see who ends up with the forfeit of having to bake a cake for the rest of their housemates. 

It's almost time for the one we've all been waiting for as Boxing Day rugby returns to Goldington Road with the visit of Jersey Reds; five years on from George Perkins' late heroics in that same fixture.  Ahead of the game, we get reports from Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer; Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred; and one of our standout performers, Jack Hughes who all discuss the excitement of a sell-out crowd at Goldington Road and reflect on 2022 as a whole.  We would like to wish the entire #BluesFamily a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all at Goldington Road on Boxing Day. 

As we prepare for the visit of Nottingham to Goldington Road, Will Roberts catches up with Dean Adamson and Luke Frost to talk off-the-field matters including the new James Bond film and recent holidays.  Blues Media Manager, Ryan Robinson then speaks to Blues Women duo Emma Graham & Lucy Middleton following their victory over Letchworth to discuss what it's like to be top of the table in their debut campaign, squad camaraderie and thoughts for the future.    Finally, Deano and Frosty return for a new and interesting segment, as they battle it out in a game of 'LIES'. 

On the eve of Bedford Blues' 2021/22 Championship campaign beginning this weekend in Jersey, Media Manager Ryan Robinson catches up with Will Maisey and Louis Grimoldby to review our pre-season schedule and look ahead to an exciting - and full - league season.  Forwards Duo, Tui Uru and Jack Hughes, answer some 'Quickfire Questions' as they divulge on rugby memories, life outside of rugby and future plans.  Finally, Ed Prowse features 'In The Spotlight' as he talks going from Bedfordshire farmer to featuring for Bedford's Premier Sporting Club.

Following his decision to retire following Saturday's Battle of Bedfordshire, club captain Sean McCarthy sits down with Sam Roberts to discuss his time at Goldington Road, life in rugby and future plans. 

This month, we head out into Bedfordshire and the picturesque town of Oakley as Media Manager, Ryan Robinson catches up with two of our brightest young stars, Andre Robson and Corrie Barrett.  The two new arrivals for the 2021 campaign discuss all things rugby including the remaining Championship fixtures this season and excitement towards return of crowds for the Battle of Bedfordshire fixture v Ampthill. They also delve into matters off the field and how they're getting along living together this season.  Ryan then meets new father Joe Atkinson who appears 'In The Spotlight' before Will Roberts concludes this month's episode by jumping on Zoom for a catch-up and quiz with 'The Two Tommies'; Tommy Mathews and Tom Litchfield.  

Ahead of the trip to Saracens in Round 5 of Championship rugby, Sam and Will Roberts catch up with Rich Lane and Matt Worley to play a few new games on the Blues Podcast; designed to get the duo to open up about their teammates, life away from Goldington Road and future aspirations.  Sam then ventures to Bedfordshire Golf Club to meet this month's 'In The Spotlight' player feature, Will Maisey. The pair talk first introductions to rugby, ambitions for the current Bedford Blues season and Maisey's ability from the tees.  Finally, Ryan Olowofela requires some rapid thinking in Quickfire Questions to conclude this month's backs special on the Blues Podcast 

Championship Rugby is well and truly back after two fantastic rounds of action and ahead of our trip to The Mennaye in Round Three of the competition, we catch up with two former Pirates to recount memories of their time in Cornwall and classic contests between Bedford Blues and Cornish Pirates.  Will Carrick Smith and Ollie Newman are our two main guests in this month's Forwards Special to dissect the set-piece battle which could be crucial in Cornwall; plus discussion on Bedford's start to the season and the Strategic Partnership between the Club and Northampton Saints.  We also hear from last week's Championship Try of the Week winner, Joe Atkinson who features in a new segment entitled 'In The Spotlight' and finally Henry Paul requires some rapid thinking in 'Quickfire Questions'. 

Rugby's back! In our first Podcast episode of 2021, we bring you various different interviews from all departments of rugby operations at Bedford Blues.  Sam Roberts begins the conversation with DoR, Mike Rayer and COO, Gareth Alred to talk the club's return to Championship rugby and the Battle of Bedfordshire Double Header v Ampthill later this month.  Then Will Roberts takes over to speak to two of our latest recruits, Corrie Barrett and Elijah Niko to discuss the first few weeks of training at Goldington Road and their excitement of a return to competitive rugby.  Finally, Ryan Robinson speaks with Joe Wrafter after the loosehead prop returned from a short-term loan spell with Premiership outfit Harlequins.

This month we bring you a very special Blues Podcast as Mike Rayer celebrates 15 years since his first match as Director of Rugby at Bedford Blues. Sam Roberts leads the conversation as Mike reminisces about his time so far in the top job at Goldington Road, including recollecting personal memories regarding some of the clubs he's come up against during his tenure. 

This month we bring you the Blues Podcast by way of a Fans' Forum to answer all of the questions received from the #BluesFamily. Sam Roberts leads the discussion over Zoom to hear reports from Chairman, Geoff Irvine; Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer; and Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred.  Everything from the club's approach to the #COVID19 crisis to our strategic partnership with Northampton Saints is reviewed as we continue to await further clarification from the RFU on a safe return to Championship rugby. 

This month we bring you the Blues Podcast by way of a progress update as the club continues to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. Ryan Robinson leads the questions over ZOOM to hear reports from Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer; Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Alred and Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood. Everything from recruitment to sponsorship deals, charity work to the new Bedford Blues Women's team is discussed as we continue to operate as normal as possible while waiting for clarification on a safe return to rugby.  

We continue this month's walk down memory lane by discussing one of the finest hours in the club's history. Part two focuses on the recent 45 year anniversary of the thrilling 28-12 RFU Club Competition victory over Rosslyn Park at Twickenham. Blues legends; Budge Rogers, Richard Chadwick and Neil Bennett join Sam Roberts to reminisce about that wonderful day!

This month we have split the Blues Podcast into two parts as we take a walk down memory lane to discuss two notable anniversaries in Blues history. Part one focuses on the recent 15 year anniversary of the nail-biting 14-13 Powergen Challenge Shield victory over Plymouth Albion at Twickenham.  Captain Matt Allen, Jon Phillips and Ali Hepher join Sam Roberts to reminisce about the 2004/05 campaign, the final season under Rudi Straeuli and that day! 

This month we bring you the Blues Podcast from the depths of self-isolation. Ryan Robinson leads the questions over the phone with Blues' captain Sean McCarthy and back row Dan Temm to discuss COVID19 and how the squad are coping without rugby. Ryan also catches up with Howard Travis to discuss The Friends of the Blues and their fundraising efforts, plus new content from ‘Chat in a Hat' and ‘Grill with Will' featuring Oli Curry, Grayson Hart and Joe Wrafter.

Sam Roberts is this month joined at Bedford Athletic Rugby Club by Rich Lane and Matt Worley as they discuss how they first got into rugby, the Six Nations and Blues' current resurgence in 2020. Ryan Robinson also speaks to supporters following the impending Championship funding cuts, there's new content from ‘Grill with Will' featuring Dan Temm plus some additional questions to Rich and Matt from children who participated in the Blues Community February Half Term Camp.'   

This month we start with a focus off the field and on the upcoming Blues Foundation project. Ryan Robinson leads the questions with Blues' Chief Operating Officer Gareth Alred and Senior Independent Director of Blues Foundation, Mark Ormerod. Ryan also catches up with recent re-signings Henry Paul and Joe Wrafter on why they chose to extend their stay at GR, plus new content from 'Chat in a Hat' and 'Grill with Will' featuring Jacob Fields.

Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer, sits down with Sam Roberts for a Christmas Special Blues Podcast to go through his Blues' Team of the Decade and also discuss just how things are in the top job at Goldington Road.

Sam Roberts is joined by Ed Taylor, Will Hooley and Dean Adamson as they discuss the Blues form, the perils of the Rugby World Cup and talk at length about the injury process. Ryan Hutler gets grilled by Will and we check in with Head of Strength & Conditioning, Jamie Bain. This episode was recorded before the Nottingham away match at the Swan Hotel. 

With the new season underway and the Championship league fixtures just beginning, it's time for Episode 2 of the new and exclusive Bedford Blues Podcast. In this month's episode, new signing Sam Leeming and Pat Tapley talk to Sam Roberts about the first three Cup matches, the Rugby World Cup and a focus on Community, from their rugby journeys to the special Bedford network at the Blues. We hear from scrum-half Grayson Hart as he dyes his hair pink ahead of Ladies Day, 'Grill with Will' returns as the younger Roberts takes on James Lennon and we play ‘chat in a hat' with Grayson and Joe Wrafter.

With this brand new season comes a brand new way to get to know what goes on at Goldington Road. The exclusive Bedford Blues Podcast will go behind the scenes and get to know all your favourite players. In this month's episode, Josh Buggea and Lewis Robling talk to Sam Roberts about preseason, the Rugby World Cup and the pressures on every player's mental health. We hear from Japan bound USA international Will Hooley, catch up with new club captain Sean McCarthy, play ‘chat in a hat' with Grayson Hart and Joe Wrafter and the younger Roberts puts a player through their paces in ‘Grill with Will!'.