Bedford Blues' loan agreement with Leicester Tigers will not be affected by Andy Key's appointment as Leeds Tykes' director of rugby.

Key has been the driving force behind the system that has seen a number of Tigers' players plying their trade at Goldington Road.

The likes of Tom Varndell, Tom Youngs and Dan Cole have all benefited from the agreement between the two clubs.

And, according to director of rugby Mike Rayer, the link-up will continue as normal.

He said: "I've already been in contact with Leicester and Andy (Key) has ensured that there was a smooth transition.

"It happened very quickly, him getting the job at Leeds, but it has been as seamless as possible.

"I've spoken to the two guys who are now in charge of development – Neil McCarthy and Paul Burke.

"We've got an understanding relationship so everything should be in place."

One new loan signing, from Northampton Saints, who could prove to be a big hit, is Will Harries.

The full-back has joined the Blues for the season and Rayer thinks he will be an excellent addition.

He added: "I'm dead chuffed with the signing.

"I've known Will for a long time and I've kept track on him from when he was a 16-year-old at Millfield School.

"I tried to get him to join the Cardiff Academy at that stage but he chose to go to Loughborough University and ended up at Northampton."

As to where Harries will fit in, Rayer said: "His preference is to play at 15.

"There will be plenty of competition for places and we'll pick on merit.

"He understands that but, like everybody else, he will be trying to cement a place."

Meanwhile, Former Blues prop Ben Alexander made his Test bow for Australia in their match against France in Sydney on Saturday evening.

The 23-year-old had a mixed spell at Goldington Road during the 2006-07 season.

Alexander, who has since returned down under to play for the Brumbies in the Super 14 competition, was a second half replacement in the Wallabies' 34-13 win.

And he admitted he was surprised to get the call to go on.

He said: "There was no prior warning, a few bum taps and then we got on with it."