An easy decision to make – that's the view of Ian Vass, who has rejoined the Blues from neighbours Northampton Saints.

The 27-year-old, who will form part of a vastly re-organised back line for the 2008/09 season, returns to Goldington Road from Franklin's Gardens after spells at Harlequins and Stade Francais and, despite leaving a club bound for the Guinness Premiership, Vass admitted he did not have many problems in choosing the Blues.

He said: "It was a fairly easy decision. When I played there before I had a lot of fun and enjoyed my rugby and it wasn't a difficult decision to make."

With Jim Mallinder making significant changes just up the A428, especially at scrum-half where Ben Foden, Alan Dickens and Lee Dickson have all put pen to paper, Vass found himself surplus to requirements, a situation that meant it was not too hard to say goodbye.

He said: "It wasn't a massive wrench to leave the Saints. Like I said, I enjoyed my earlier time at Bedford and I won't be moving house again, thankfully."

Vass is one of a number of signings made by director of rugby Mike Rayer, especially behind the scrum, and this should make the Blues a more potent outfit that will be capable of challenging at the top end of National League One.

Vass added: "I don't see any reason why we can't go at least a place better than last year.

"It could be tough to get into the top two, especially with Leeds and Exeter, but with a bit more consistency and cutting out any dodgy games, we should be able to challenge."

As to where Vass will fit in to the Blues' re-jigged back line, the man himself is not too fussed.

He said: "I don't know where I'll be playing. I've played a few positions in my time and I'm not too bothered as long as I play.

"I've got no preference really. As long as I'm getting on the pitch and enjoying my rugby that's the main thing."