Bedford Blues will lock horns with the British Army on Thursday April 6, as one of the most historic fixtures in rugby returns to Goldington Road for the first time since 2019.
Created in 1921, the Mobbs Memorial Match honours the former Bedford Modern School, Olney, Bedford, Northampton and England rugby legend, Edgar Mobbs. A World Rugby Hall-of-Fame inductee, Mobbs’ true heroic status was made on the battlefield of World War One.
One of his few appearances for Bedford was on a very special occasion as the Blues hosted New Zealand in 1905 at Goldington Road.
Contested between the East Midlands and the Barbarians until 2011, Bedford and Northampton have played host to the fixture every other year since 2012 when it was re-launched, going toe-to-toe with the Army Rugby Union on a biennial basis.
After taking a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the fixture returned last year at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens as a Saints XV – featuring many to have worn Bedford colours – secured a 59-7 win.
This year, as is traditional, a military band will arrive as the gates open at 5pm, after marching from the War Memorial on the Embankment from 4.30pm. Inside the ground there will be plenty of activity from various military displays; the new Ella-Mobbs Trophy will be on display and a curtain-raiser between Bedford Modern School 1st XV v OBM XV will get under way at 5.30pm on the main pitch, before the big game gets under way at 7.45pm.
Tickets for the game start from just £10 for adults, and only £2 for children. Prices will increase on matchday so don’t hesitate, head online to secure your ticket now. Current service personnel of the British Armed Forces can pay on the gate for £6 with valid ID.
A very special hospitality package is available on the night from just £39 in The CMC Marquee.
Proceeds from the match will once again support the charitable aims of the Mobbs Memorial Fund, which promotes the development of youth rugby in the East Midlands.
Visit www.bedfordrugby.co.uk to book tickets for the event.
Contact Blues Commercial Manager, Louis Mann at louis@bedfordrugby.co.uk to book a hospitality package
