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The excitement is palpable as the Bedford Blues gear up for the 2024/25 Championship season, with the club's new fixture list now officially unveiled. Kicking off their campaign, Mike Rayer's side will face Caldy on Saturday, September 21st at Goldington Road. As fans eagerly anticipate the return of rugby union action, the stage is set for what promises to be a thrilling season ahead.
Challenging Start to the Season
After the initial clash with Caldy, the Blues will quickly be tested again with a challenging away fixture against old rivals Coventry in the following week. The home crowd will gather at Goldington Road once more to welcome Hartpury during the opening weekend of October. This trio of fixtures sets a demanding tone, as Bedford prepares to tackle formidable opponents, including an away game in Penzance against the Cornish Pirates, followed by a tense matchup against Doncaster Knights on home soil.
The early season fixtures will not only test the strength and stamina of the squad but also their resolve in front of passionate crowds, both home and away. After just five league games, the Championship will take a breather to make room for the cup campaign, with Nottingham slated to be the next league opponent on November 30th—a crucial matchup for Bedford as they look to gain momentum in the league.
A Unique Festive Schedule
Traditionally, the festive period is highlighted by key matchups such as a Boxing Day clash; however, this year the schedule diverges from the norm. Instead, Blues fans will have to wait until December 21st for a trip to newly promoted Chinnor. Following that encounter, the squad will return home to face Cambridge on December 28th, filling the festive slots with intriguing contests rather than the customary holiday fixtures.
Rekindling Local Rivalries
As the New Year approaches, local rivalries will take center stage when Ampthill visits Goldington Road on January 18, 2025, offering fans the chance to witness the much-anticipated ‘Battle of Bedfordshire.’ The reverse fixture is scheduled for May 10, creating a fitting narrative as the season progresses towards its climax.
Interestingly, Caldy will also play a notable role in concluding the season, as the Blues travel to Merseyside for their final league match on May 31, 2025. This circularity emphasises the significance of both games against Caldy as potential springboards for success or challenges to overcome throughout the competitive season.
Rugby with Higher Stakes
This year’s Championship season introduces elevated stakes, as the RFU has confirmed a two-legged playoff system for promotion involving the bottom side of the Premiership. The landscape of English rugby is shifting, moving away from the previous season's circumstances where the Championship clubs enjoyed immunity from relegation. In essence, this season provides a genuine opportunity for teams like Bedford Blues to aim for the top tier, while simultaneously facing the very real threat of relegation.
With that context, Bedford supporters are looking forward—not just to survive, but to thrive. Head coach Mike Rayer and his team have acknowledged the hurdles that must be navigated en route to achieving their ambitions. Those aspirations will rely heavily on both exceptional performances on the field and strategic planning off it.
Preparing for Pre-Season Challenges
In preparation for the strenuous journey ahead, Bedford Blues will host Blackheath for their first pre-season friendly on August 23, setting the tone for their training and performance levels. Additional pre-season matches against Saracens and Northampton Saints will follow, testing the squad against some of the best competitors in English rugby.
Chairman of the Championship Clubs, Simon Halliday, has expressed optimism about the current trajectory of the league, emphasising the need for a strong promotional structure that can benefit all participating clubs. Halliday has noted how last season’s performances showcased the league's quality and excitement, setting a positive precedent for the upcoming season.
For fans eager to support their team throughout this rigorous season, season tickets are now available for purchase through the Bedford Blues website. Full fixture details are also accessible online, providing supporters with all the information needed to follow their beloved team in every twist and turn of the campaign.
As the countdown to the season opener against Caldy begins, anticipation swells within the community, uniting players and fans alike in their quest for glory. The journey promises to be filled with challenges, triumphs, and cherished moments that define the spirit of Bedford Blues rugby.
