Northampton Saints today announce the extension of the Club’s strategic partnership with Champ Rugby side, Bedford Blues.
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. 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 Northampton regulars Tom Litchfield, Tom Lockett, George Hendy, and Ed Prowse, all of whom spent time at Bedford while progressing through Saints’ pathway system.
The close relationship between the two clubs continues to deliver benefits both on and off the pitch. Saints’ newly-appointed Defence Coach Jim Henry is a recent example, having combined his former role as Senior Academy Transition Coach at Northampton 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’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson.
“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 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.
Mike Rayer, Director of Rugby at Bedford Blues, added: “It’s great to continue this relationship, which has worked incredibly well over the last six years.
“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.”
Mobbs Memorial Match
Saints and Blues are also delighted to confirm that the 2026 Mobbs Memorial Match will take place on Friday 27 November (kick-off: 7.30pm).
Bedford Blues will travel to Franklin’s Gardens for the latest instalment of one of rugby’s oldest annual fixtures. First played in 1921, the match commemorates Saints legend, World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, and First World War hero, Edgar Mobbs.
The two clubs now contest the fixture annually, alternating hosting duties between Franklin’s Gardens and Goldington Road. The match continues to support the charitable aims of the Mobbs Memorial Fund, which promotes the development of age-group rugby across the East Midlands through grants awarded to clubs within East Midlands Rugby Union.
Tickets will go on sale closer to the fixture date – Saints’ Season Ticket Holders will have the match included within their packages.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming Bedford Blues back to Franklin’s Gardens for this year’s Mobbs Memorial Match,” said Saints’ Chief Executive, Julia Chapman.
“The fixture is a really important date in the calendar for both clubs. While our partnership with Bedford continues to provide valuable development opportunities for players and coaches, there is always a competitive edge whenever the two teams meet on the field, and I’m sure supporters can look forward to another entertaining occasion in November.
“The Mobbs Memorial Match is one of the game’s most historic fixtures and provides an important opportunity to celebrate and remember the remarkable legacy of Edgar Mobbs. We’re proud to play our part in ensuring that legacy continues to be honoured year after year.
“Just as importantly, the fixture continues to support the fantastic work of the Mobbs Memorial Fund, which helps develop age-group rugby across the East Midlands.
David Mobbs, Mobbs Memorial Fund Trustee, added: “The Mobbs Memorial Match is an historic fixture that has been played for more than a century, honouring not only Edgar Mobbs but also the many people who lost their lives during the First World War. It is remarkable that his story, values and sacrifice continue to resonate so strongly today.
“The connection between Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints reflects Edgar’s own ties to both clubs, making this a fitting occasion each year.
“Just as importantly, the match helps support the Mobbs Memorial Fund’s work in developing young rugby players across the East Midlands and encouraging them to stay involved in the game.”