Winger Ryan Owen this week signed for the Blues from Leicester Tigers as part of director of rugby Mike Rayer's Welsh revolution.

The 20-year-old, who has spent the last two seasons at Tigers' Academy, played under Rayer in Wales when he was just 16 and the pair are delighted to have teamed up again.

Owen said: "It's a good relationship. He plays the style of rugby I like to play. I'm very impressed with the rugby club and the area is nice as well. It seems like a nice community."

Mr Rayer is fully aware of what the youngster is capable of and was pleased to finally be able to unveil one of his new signings.

He said: "We never shout it from the rooftops until we get it on a bit of paper.

"He is part of the big overall plan to change the name to Bedford Welsh!"

Meanwhile, Plymouth Albion visit Goldington Road tomorrow in a game that offers the Blues a great opportunity to make an impression on the West Country opposition that surrounds them in the league.

Mr Rayer said: "It's nip and tuck between the four of us. There's a bit of jostling to be done.

"They will be hurting from last weekend's defeat against Nottingham so we are expecting a big battle up front."

Albion are likely to be missing two key players who were injured in that 17-12 home defeat on Saturday, forwards Scott Zimmerman and Ben Gulliver.

The Blues are able to welcome prop Peter Cook back to their squad, but Leicester loanees Ben Pienaar and Ollie Dodge are ruled out through injury.

As a result, Adam Kettle will be handed the chance to impress his future employers from the back row.

Dom Malone is set to start at scrum-half in what, according to Mr Rayer, is likely to be his last game for the Blues at Goldington Road, while Craig Moir may be recalled on the wing. Ross Broadfoot is struggling with a foot injury but should be available, while Ben Patston is likely to come in at fly-half.

South African lock Mouritz Botha, meanwhile, has signed a new contract with the Blues after impressing Mr Rayer.

The boss said: "He has showed what he can do on a few occasions and we are keen to keep him around.

"We have invested quite a lot of time and effort in him so hopefully we will see the fruits of that next year."

Botha said: "This season was all about finding my feet. Next season I'm hoping for a regular starting place in the first team.

"I think I've progressed quite well. This season has been a massive learning curve for me. Hopefully next season it will show dividends."

Mr Rayer is also currently trying to tie-up veteran prop Matt Volland on a new contract.