Bedford borrow Saint Harries
Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:32
Northampton Saints and Bedford Blues have announced a loan agreement for fullback Will Harries for the 2008/09 season.
The 21-year-old has spent the past three years in the Saints Senior Academy and made six first team appearances. He also played in the Wanderers' run to the Guinness 'A' League final last season and scored two tries in the second leg against London Wasps.
Harries also scored a try in Bedford colours in the 2008 Mobbs Memorial Match against the Barbarians.
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that the spell at Bedford will help Harries develop as a player.
"As we found out last season, National League One is a good proving ground for young players like Will," Mallinder said.
"It is a competitive league. Every week poses a different challenge and players have to be consistently good to stand out. The experience will give Will a good rugby education."
"Playing at Bedford will be a steep learning curve," said Harries.
"I want to improve game by game and working with a coach like Mike Rayer, who was a fullback too, will help my development. It should be a good experience!" he added.
"Will is a talented footballer who will be an asset to our team next season," said Bedford director of rugby Mike Rayer.
"He is a good running fullback who can spot a gap and use his pace to exploit it and will fit in well with the style of rugby we hope to play," he added.
