Getting into Beds

As you may have heard from Fern there are attempts to form a Bedfordshire county team now - ie. to "split" the East Midlands county team that ran last year (or at least see if that is feasible) - and some training has already started with this aim in mind.

But you would not believe how difficult getting any news about developments happening a dizzying two miles or less away is. I know more about the development of, and plans for, girls rugby in Cornwall or Co Durham than I do in a county that I can practically see from the bedroom window (or at least could if it "wasn't for the houses in between", as the song had it). However, by diligent digging I think I have discovered that these developments are not unrelated to East Midlands RFU's appointment of a new Rugby Development Officer (RDO) with specific responsibility for Bedfordshire.

The guy's name (well I assume its a bloke) is Sam Rouse, and if you think you qualify to play for Bedfordshire it would not do any harm to give him a ring. His office number is 01933 222218, his mobile is 07764 960389, and his email: samrouse@rfu.com.

Just trialling or practicing with "Bedfordshire" will not interfere with your Herts qualification, and even if it did that would only apply to this season anyway - and as there will be no more Herts games this season even that is academic, especially if you aren't in the Herts squad anyway. So if you are dual qualified you've really nothing to lose by picking up the phone. Go on - give him a ring!