Bedford Blues Women will be playing Championship Two rugby at Goldington Road next season having been declared champions, securing a third promotion in five campaigns.
While their crowning moment might not have been the way they dreamt, being handed a walkover victory against Wymondham Wasps in March, it is testament to how hard the team have worked this season that they lifted the trophy with so many games to spare.
It has been a stellar campaign. They scored more points than anyone else this season, conceded the fewest, and dominated most of the individual statistics, including Claire Cranfield topping the try scoring charts and Lucy Middleton as the leading kicker across the league.
As in their previous two title-winning seasons, they also finished the campaign unbeaten from a league standpoint. Eddie Rennell’s team also reached their furthest stage of a knockout cup competition by reaching the quarter finals, suffering defeat to eventual finalists Beckenham.
Playing at Goldington Road, also the home of the senior men’s side, has been a key recruitment driver for the team who will be looking to make an imprint in their new divisional structure next season.
The team have been proud to have the highest attendances within their league in each of their five seasons to date and are looking to continue this momentum, even further now that they will be competing in the third tier of English women’s rugby.
Reflecting on the season, Bedford Blues Women Captain, Kelly Hodgson, said: “I am incredibly proud of our achievements this season which culminated in winning the league and promotion to Championship Two.
“Hard work and determination ensured that we could achieve our full potential and the ultimate goal of promotion, something which we set our sights on in pre-season. Champ Two will be a huge test for the squad, coaches and support personnel, but we head into it with a commitment to play for each other, to learn and to continue enjoying this sport.
“Rugby brings highlights, heartbreak and everything in between. For now, we enjoy the highlights!”
For any business interested in sponsoring Bedford Blues Women as they step up to Championship Two level for the first time, there are a number of opportunities available for discussion over the off-season.
Contact Blues’ Commercial Manager, Ben Howe for a full commercial deck of all the options – ranging from a Player of the Match sponsorship all the way through to discussions about kit in 2027/28 and further afield.
Following the success of the senior Red Roses, who won the Rugby World Cup for the second time last year, this is a fantastic time to get involved with women’s rugby at a community level and have a great impact.
For more information email Ben Howe on ben@bedfordrugby.co.uk or visit their website.
