Bedford Blues are determined to channel the pain of last season

Blues suffered home heartbreak against Worcester Warriors in May, as Warriors ran out 27-14 winners at a packed-out Goldington Road to win the inaugural Elior Champ Rugby play-offs.

It was a frustrating end to a thrilling season for Blues, who finished second in the regular season table before coming within 80 minutes of a first second tier title since 1998.

Long-serving head coach Mike Rayer has been able to keep the vast majority of that squad together in a bid to go one better this time around and captain Alex Day believes his charges are ready to right the wrongs of last season in the 2026/27 campaign, beginning with a mouthwatering rematch against Warriors to open their season on Saturday.

He said: “I would be lying if I said it doesn’t still hurt but we will have to use it as fuel for this year.

“You don’t get to that stage unless you do the hard work throughout the season. We will take each game as it comes and see where we end up at the end of the season.

“A lot of people forget the hard wins that we got in that winter period to get us where we were. They were some of the most standout. Everyone will remember the play-off games, which were brilliant, but it was a great season.

“We have kept a similar group which is brilliant. Credit to the club, credit to Mikey, credit to the players, everyone enjoys the environment, everyone enjoys coming to work. We have got something pretty special going on.

“Everyone has played together for a good few years now. Especially in the tight games, in the winter months, that will help you a lot. The boys know the team, know what we need to do to win. Credit to the club that everyone wants to stay around.”

Blues’ tilt at the title will be supplemented by support from reigning PREM champions Northampton Saints thanks to the strategic partnership between the clubs.

Saints have made a name for producing a regular supply of exciting English talent, with Henry Pollock amongst those to turn out for Blues en route to the top.

Saints and Blues are not the only clubs working together across the Prem and the Champ but Day believes their agreement is leading the way in supporting both clubs’ lofty aims.

“It is a brilliant model,” he said. “The Saints guys work brilliantly with us and likewise.

“We get some quality players and coaches through that system, and that shared knowledge is great for the game.

“We are all working together to make both teams better. It is a great relationship, and a lot of teams are doing it. We are probably at the forefront of that.”

If Blues need any extra motivation in the depths of winter, they will be able to call on the raucous atmospheres they experienced during their two play-off matches at Goldington Road.

The new play-off system was a hit in Bedford and Day wants to ensure his side return there come next May to avenge their final defeat.

“It is a great addition to the league,” he said. “With no promotion, it brings a great energy and edge towards the end of the season.

“The play-off games at ours were special occasions and a testament to the league.

“You probably get the best atmosphere at Goldington Road when it is packed anyway but it was brilliant and great for the fans. It is a new season and we will have to try and get there again.”

Played by professional and semi-professional players, Elior Champ Rugby provides a ‘Proving Ground’ for future stars. Watch every game live on Clubber TV and free-to-air on BLAZE on Sunday afternoons.