Rugby
Rugby has been part of Bedford School since 1870—and it’s still going strong. With top-class facilities, expert coaching and a full-on year-round programme, you will train hard, compete at a high level, and build a real passion for the game.
Partnership with the Northampton Saints
At Bedford, you will get first-class coaching from experienced professionals—and even meet senior Northampton Saints players, who visit to share their insight and experience. It is a rare chance to learn from athletes at the top of the game.
Saints Community Rugby Coaches also lead weekly training sessions for our staff, ensuring our coaching remains sharp, up-to-date and aligned with professional standards.
Bedford boys regularly join the Saints’ pathway programme, with many going on to sign full-time contracts. George Furbank and Fraser Dingwall are now regulars in the Saints matchday squad and England’s national team. Recent signings Jonny Weimann and Aiden Ainsworth-Cave are also making big strides in their professional rugby careers.
Year-Round Rugby Programme
Each term, you will train under experienced, highly qualified coaches who will help you improve your game, build confidence, and develop as both an individual player and a teammate.
- Autumn Term: Main rugby term
- Spring Term: Sevens rugby
- Summer Term: Skills and game development and pre-season training
On-pitch training is supported by strength and conditioning programmes, allowing you to continuously grow as an athlete.
A Wealth of Expertise
The full-time staff includes the Director of Rugby, James Hinkins (former Bedford Blues player), and Deputy Director of Sport, Barry Burgess (Former Northampton Saints player). External coaches further enhance the coaching provision in the autumn and spring terms. The coaches, many from Bedford Blues and Northampton Saints, all have professional playing backgrounds, ideally suited to developing all players in an ever-evolving game.
First-Class Facilities
The school playing field is home to eight rugby pitches, with a further pitch at the Gordon Field. The 1st XV pitch has an enviable position and the stunning backdrop of the school’s iconic main building.
The school’s first-class facilities are sought after, with Northampton Saints Academy and Community sections hosting training camps during holidays. The Bedford Blues senior squad also use our facilities during their summer pre-season schedule.
Fixtures and Tours
Bedford has an incredibly strong and competitive fixture list, including Radley College, Rugby School, Dulwich College, Warwick School and Eton College. The Dulwich fixture is the longest-running schoolboy fixture in the world and is always a wonderful occasion.
The Rugby Club embarks on a major tour every three years and has visited Canada, Australia and South Africa in recent years.
“Whatever their achievements in other pursuits, the chief pride and glory of Bedfordians lies in their rugby.”
Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News (1934)
Find out about a Sport Scholarship
Deadline for 2027 Entry: 1 December 2026
Our generous Sport Scholarships are available to boys who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and potential for future development in one or more of our four major sports of rugby, hockey, cricket and rowing, or golf.
If you are serious about sport, Bedford is the place for you.
