The Bedford Blues Podcast

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.