We are delighted to announce that Old Bedfordian and England international Fraser Dingwall (13-17) will return to school as a coach for the 1st XV, committing to a two-year coaching role alongside existing coaches Mr Hinkins and Mr Stewart.
The exciting news was revealed in front of a crowd of almost 2,000 supporters during our inaugural Friday Night Lights fixture against Rugby School at Goldington Road, home of Bedford Blues. The announcement proved to be one of the standout moments of an unforgettable evening and was met with a tremendous reception from pupils, parents, staff and Old Bedfordians.
Fraser, who attended Bedford School between 2013 and 2017, captained the school during his time as a pupil before embarking on an outstanding professional career with Northampton Saints. Now an England international with ten caps to his name, he recently committed his future to the Premiership club by signing a new two-year contract and was named Club Captain, further underlining the respect he commands both on and off the field.
For our current players, his return offers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the country’s leading rugby professionals and someone who once walked the same corridors, trained on the same fields and wore the same red-and-white jersey.
Speaking about his return, Fraser said,
“I’m absolutely delighted to announce that I’ll be returning to my old school this season as coach for the 1st XV alongside Mr Hinkins and Mr Stewart.
“Having spent many years here as a pupil myself, it’s a real privilege to be coming back and giving something back to a place that played such an important role in my own development, both on and off the field. The school has always been a very special place to me, and I have some fantastic memories from my time here, so the opportunity to return in this role is something I’m incredibly excited about.
“I’m really looking forward to the season ahead and to working with the players and coaching staff. From what I’ve been told there’s a great group of players coming through, and I’m excited to help them develop, enjoy their rugby and, most importantly, play with confidence and pride.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone around the school and, hopefully, sharing a really successful and memorable season together.”
This continues our proud tradition of producing talented rugby players who have gone on to compete at the highest levels of the game. Fraser’s return strengthens the connection between past and present generations of Bedfordian rugby and reflects our commitment to providing pupils with exceptional coaching, role models and sporting opportunities.
Head Master Michael Sloan welcomed the announcement, saying,
“Fraser is not only one of the finest rugby players to come through Bedford School in recent years, but also an outstanding role model for our boys. His achievements on the national and international stage speak for themselves, but what makes this so special is his willingness to return and inspire the next generation.
“Fraser embodies the values we seek to instil in our pupils: responsibility, integrity, curiosity, endeavour and a commitment to continual improvement. We are thrilled to welcome him back to Bedford School and know that our players will benefit enormously from his experience, knowledge and passion for the game.”
For Fraser, the appointment represents a homecoming. For our aspiring rugby players, it is an opportunity to learn from one of the school’s most successful sporting Old Bedfordians. And for the wider Bedford School community, his return is another exciting chapter in a rugby tradition that continues to thrive.
With a new season under way, a new Head Coach joining the programme and one of England rugby’s most respected young leaders returning to his alma mater, there is genuine excitement about what lies ahead for Bedford School’s 1st XV. The next two years promise to be a memorable period for the players fortunate enough to be coached by one of their own.
