Blues confirm double signing

Heading to Goldington Road will be back rower Jason Hill who joins from Glasgow Warriors while fullback Elliot Clements-Hill is make the short journey from Ampthill.

Hill, who stands 6ft 4ins tall and weighs 108kg, joined Glasgow Warriors on a partnership contract for season 2015/2016.

The 26-year-old played for the Scotland Club XV in 2015, scoring a try and being named man of the match in a 23-18 victory over the Ireland Club XV.

The flanker recently helped Heriot’s on their way to an impressive treble as they were crowned BT Premiership champions, BT Scottish Cup winners and Charity Shield winners.

Clements-Hill, who turns 23 in July, has enjoyed spells with Oaklands College, Bedford Blues Academy, Saracens Academy and Plymouth Albion, but has impressed most during his time at Ampthill.

The fullback had been on trial with the Blues last summer before returning to Dillingham Park, but an impressive campaign for the A’s in which he racked up an incredible 229 points has secured a move to Goldington Road.

Speaking about the signings, Blues Director of Rugby Mike Rayer said: “Jason has been a huge part of an impressive Heriots team for a few years now and he has come on leaps and bounds since linking up with Glasgow Warriors.

“He is a powerful ball carrier who can play 8 or 6 and he will certainly give us plenty of options looking ahead to the new campaign.

“We’ve kept a close eye on Elliot over the past few seasons and it is clear that he has continued to develop his game and become a superb player.

“He has been electric for Ampthill this season and I am very confident that he will continue that fine form on the Goldington Road pitch.”

Bedford Blues have also confirmed that Hill and Clements-Hill’s signings take the total squad number for the 2016/17 campaign up to 23.

“With a number of signings and duel registration players still to be announced we are looking in good shape for when pre season comes around,” added Rayer.

“It’s always great to welcome new players but I also want to pay tribute to those who are leaving us this summer. We’ve had a wonderful season and every member of the squad has been involved in a fantastic campaign.

“To each and every one of them I say thank you and I wish you the best of luck in the future.”

Bedford Blues 2016/17 Championship squad at present - Forwards: Jacob Fields (Loughborough Students), Sam James, Jack Culverhouse, Christian Judge (Plymouth Albion), Camilo Parilli-Ocampo, Will Carrick-Smith (London Scottish), Mike Howard, Ed Taylor (Loughborough Students), Paul Tupai, Ben Adams (Cambridge), Josh Buggea, Justin Blanchet, Jason Hill (Glasgow/Heriots).

Backs: Jordan Burns, Tom James (Loughborough Students), Myles Dorrian, Jake Sharp, Ollie Dodge, Tom Farrell (London Irish), Michael Le Bourgeois, Dean Adamson, Pat Tapley, Elliot Clements-Hill (Ampthill).