Charlie Clare & Hayden King become Bedford Blues' first new signings for next season

Bedford Blues have confirmed their first new signings for next season in two forwards who are already very familiar with Goldington Road.

Heading back to Bedford Blues will be Northampton Saints hooker Charlie Clare, who played for the Blues between 2013 and 2016, as well as Blackheath prop Hayden King who represented the Blues Academy.

Clare, 26, heads back to Goldington Road following two years at Franklin's Gardens in which he helped the Wanderers lift the Aviva 'A' League trophy, starting in the final where the side defeated Gloucester United for the title.

Joining Clare in the front row will be Hayden King who prior to playing for Blackheath, was a member of the Old Albanians squad as well as featuring for England Counties.

The 22-year-old who stands at 178cm and tips the scales at 116kg, has been in sparkling form in National One this season helping Blackheath to fifth in the table and was instrumental in inflicting the only defeat on runaway leaders Coventry.