Tom Farrell heads to Connacht

Bedford Blues centre Tom Farrell has left the club to join Pro 12 side Connacht with immediate effect.

"The timing of Tom's departure isn't great to say the least especially as recently he had started to show glimpses of why we signed him," commented Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer.

"He has been a really valued member of the squad and has worked incredibly hard this season, I guess that's why Connacht came calling. Despite every effort on our part to keep Tom, the chance to go back to Ireland and to his hometown club proved too much of a heartfelt draw for him. We certainly hope it works out for him..."

The 22-year-old Farrell has made 12 appearances for the Goldington Road club since joining in the summer from London Irish with his last being against his former club.