Bedford Blues have named a 28-man squad for their second pre-season fixture at Goldington Road, as Mike Rayer and his team welcome Premiership opposition in Saracens with preparations stepping up a gear.
Blackheath gave the Blues a decent first run out a fortnight ago, with Bedford winning 34-24 under the Friday night lights but Mark McCall’s side – who were Premiership play-off semi finalists last season – present a steep rise in challenge.
Read: Bedford Blues begin new season with tight victory against Blackheath
The Blues squad looks set as they open their Championship campaign against Caldy in a little over a fortnight’s time, but two stiff tasks await in Saracens and Premiership champions, Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens next Friday.
There are no new permanent names in the Blues squad, with five changes made from the victory against Blackheath.
Extended squad
Club stalwarts, Michael Le Bourgeois and Dean Adamson are in from the start this time around while the likes of Louis James, Lucas Titherington and Fred Tuilagi also start as they find their feet at Goldington Road.
Northampton Saints pair, Nathan Langdon and Kieran Perkins are in line to come off the bench for some minutes in a new-look Bedford Blues jersey being premiered on Friday night.
Jacob Wells, son of former Bedford Blues winger, Jon Wells is also named amongst 13 substitutes.
Whatever the result may be, this will be a stern test for a Blues side who are back in competitive action on 21st September, also at Goldington Road against Caldy.
Tickets are available to purchase via this link or on the gate at Goldington Road. The game kicks off at 7:45pm.
Bedford Blues Starting XV:
15. Louis James, 14. Alfie Garside, 13. Lucas Titherington, 12. Michael Le Bourgeois, 11. Dean Adamson, 10. Joel Matavesi, 9. Alex Day (C); 1. Jamie Jack, 2. Tommy Herman, 3. Bryan O’Connor, 4. Rory Ward, 5. Alex Woolford, 6. Luke Frost, 7. Jac Arthur, 8. Fred Tuilagi
Bedford Blues Replacements:
Joey Conway, Nathan Langdon, Oisin Heffernan, Jacob Wells, James Fish, Kieran Perkins, Cameron King, James Lennon, Will Maisey, Pat Tapley, Jamie Elliott, Jake Garside, Matt Worley
