Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues are a men's rugby club founded in 1886 who play in the Champ Rugby (Championship) (Tier 2). Their home ground is Goldington Road, which holds 5,531.
Last updated May 2026
Key facts
| Founded | 1886 |
|---|---|
| League | Champ Rugby (Championship) |
| Tier | Tier 2 |
| Head coach | Mike Rayer |
| Home ground | Goldington Road |
| Capacity | 5,531 |
| Nearest station | Bedford |
| Local derby | Ampthill |
| Marquee fixture | Mobbs Memorial Match versus Northampton Saints |
| Matchday pub | Clubhouse bar at Goldington Road |
| Official website | https://bedfordrugby.co.uk/ |
Club history
Bedford RUFC was founded in 1886 after an amalgamation between Bedford Rovers (1876) and Bedford Swifts (1882) and won its first match 10-3 against Olney at Goldington Road.
Bedford were promoted to the Allied Dunbar Premiership for the 1998-99 season finishing 13th before being relegated via a play-off defeat to Rotherham Titans the following year.
Former Cardiff and Wales full-back Mike Rayer became Director of Rugby in 2005 and marked his 20th season in charge in 2025.
Goldington Road has been Bedford's home ground continuously since the club's first match in 1886.
Recent seasons
Bedford finished 2nd in the 2024-25 RFU Championship with 17 wins from 22 matches and 86 points.
This was Bedford's highest league finish since the 2011-12 season.
Mike Rayer reached his 20th season as Director of Rugby with the final 2024-25 league game at Caldy in May 2025.
Former Premiership hooker Tom Cruse joined as Forwards Coach for the 2024-25 season.
Notable players
Club legends
- Mike Rayer
- Ali Price
- Duncan Taylor
- James Pritchard
- Andy Gomarsall
Current squad
- George Worth
- Rafe Witheat
- Nicholas Finch
- Archie Hosking
Turning Bedford Blues footage into insight
Every match Bedford Blues play holds a goldmine of detail. Framesports turns rugby footage into the analytics that actually matter and data that builds smarter game plans, collected by analysts and checked by humans. See how it works on the Framesports features page.
Frequently asked questions
When were Bedford Blues founded?
Bedford Blues were founded in 1886.
Where do Bedford Blues play?
Bedford Blues play at Goldington Road, which holds 5,531. The nearest station is Bedford.
What league do Bedford Blues play in?
Bedford Blues compete in the Champ Rugby (Championship), tier 2 of English rugby's league structure.
Who are Bedford Blues's local rivals?
Bedford Blues's local derby is against Ampthill.
Who is the Bedford Blues head coach?
Bedford Blues are coached by Mike Rayer.
Other Champ Rugby (Championship) clubs
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