Blues prop up and fly in to sign duo

Mark Atkinson. Esher and Bedford Blues. wk 21. 0537 - Steve Porter 3648 - Alistair Wilson 6204 - Darren pepe

Published on 23/05/2012 16:00

JUST a week after announcing the capture of Premiership duo Tom Armes and Ben Gulliver Bedford Blues have secured two more signings for next season.

With two props leaving the club at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season, the Blues have moved quickly to capture Newcastle front-row star Darren Fearn who has been with the Falcons since 2010.

Fearn, 23, was born and raised in Yorkshire and started his playing career with local side Scarborough before moving to Newcastle to study at Northumbria University.

After playing for Blaydon in the 2008-9 season and picking up an England Student cap, Fearn was awarded a full-time deal with the Falcons which coincided with his studies.

At 6ft 3ins tall and tipping the scales at the 20 stone mark, Fearn should add plenty of beef to the Bedford front row next term.

The Blues have also signed impressive 22-year-old Esher fly-half Mark Atkinson.

Atkinson, who can also play at inside centre, started his career with Sale before turning out for Sedgley Park, Rosslyn Park and Wasps prior to joining Esher last season where he put in a scintillating first half performance against Bedford in September only to go off injured at the interval.

Having picked up caps for England at U18 and U20 level, Atkinson will provide plenty of competition for the much sought-after Bedford Blues number 10 jersey.

Director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “It has been a busy couple of weeks for us at Goldington Road but we are delighted to be able to welcome Darren and Mark to the club.

“Darren is a good, young prop who has Premiership and European experience and will add plenty of momentum to the Blues scrum.

“Anyone who was at Moseley Road last season will know what Mark can do given the tiniest amount of space and I look forward to seeing him in action in a Blues shirt soon.”

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Blues prop up and fly in to sign duo

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