'We love the relationship with Bedford' - Saints and Blues extend strategic partnership

The mutually beneficial collaboration, which began in June 2020, has seen Saints and Blues work closely together across a range of playing, coaching and development opportunities.

A significant number of Saints’ emerging talents, including Craig Wright, Jonny Weimann, Archie Benson, Aidan Ainsworth-Cave, Sonny Tonga’uiha, Toby Thame and Amena Caqusau, gained valuable senior experience at Goldington Road last season as Bedford went on to finish runners-up in the Champ, narrowly missing out to Worcester Warriors in the final.

Those players follow in the footsteps of England internationals Henry Pollock and Emmanuel Iyogun, as well as Saints regulars Tom Litchfield, Tom Lockett, George Hendy, and Ed Prowse, all of whom spent time at Bedford while progressing through the Franklin's Gardens pathway system.

The close relationship between Saints and Bedford continues to deliver benefits both on and off the pitch, with Saints’ newly-appointed defence coach, Jim Henry, a recent example.

Henry combined his former role as Senior Academy transition coach at Saints with coaching responsibilities at Bedford, serving as the Blues’ defence coach last season.

Reece Marshall, Saints’ current transition coach, will step into a broader coaching remit at Bedford for the 2026/27 campaign.

“We love the relationship with Bedford and the way the partnership works,” said Saints boss Phil Dowson.

“More than ever, having seen the benefits it has delivered over the last six years, we know how valuable it is for both clubs.

“Giving our players the opportunity to experience Champ level rugby, within an environment where they are coached by both Saints and Bedford staff, is invaluable for our younger squad members.

"Bedford had a hugely successful season last year, too, which only adds to the experience and opportunities available to our players.

“We have a fantastic relationship with (Bedford Blues director of rugby) Mike Rayer, who is hugely respected within the game, and it’s brilliant to have someone of his calibre helping our players develop.

"Mike comes to Saints matches, we attend Bedford games, and maintaining those close connections is an important part of making the partnership work.

“The way Mike runs things is exactly how it should be. Players don’t get selected for Bedford simply because they come from Saints; they earn their place on merit because Mike believes they deserve to be in the team.

“It can be challenging for those players at times, but the opportunity to immerse themselves in Bedford’s environment, train on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, learn from different people and experiences, and travel to grounds across the country is incredibly valuable.

"We see all of that as an important part of their development, both as players and as people.”

The renewed agreement will also see Saints continue to provide ambitious young coaches with opportunities to gain valuable experience in the second tier of English rugby through placements within Bedford’s coaching set-up.

Meanwhile, Bedford’s coaches will continue to benefit from regular professional development sessions with Saints staff at Franklin’s Gardens, while opportunities for joint training sessions between the clubs will also remain an integral part of the partnership.

Rayer said: “It’s great to continue this relationship, which has worked incredibly well over the last six years.

“That’s not just through access to some of the best up and coming talent in England, but also on a coaching level with access to the current trends at the top end of the game.

“Phil’s been brilliant to work with, and it’s worked especially well with Michael (Le Bourgeois) and Cam (Cameron Boon) having access to the brains trust at Franklin’s Gardens, particularly now at the start of their coaching journey.

“We’d also like to pass on our best wishes to Jim Henry in his new role. He’s done a phenomenal job here at Goldington Road, both on the field through his defensive and scrum work, and also in keeping everybody in the loop on player availability and personal development.

“This gives Reece Marshall a chance to come in and put his stamp on things defensively, within a senior group environment. He’ll bring the same level of energy and knowledge as he did as a player for both clubs.

“The sharing of ideas and the identity of both sides is clear to see, always looking to move the ball and play attractive rugby.

"We’re excited to see how we can go further with even more collaborative thinking and progression over the next few years.”