Ambitious Blues sign up dynamic duo for next season

The news comes hot off the heels of the announcement that Charlie Clare will be moving on from Goldington Road to join Premiership side, and near neighbours, Northampton Saints.

Fields, 22, has been in fine form for Loughborough ever since joining from Bath. Standing at 1.79m and weighing in at 108kg, the hooker is in the final stages of his Sports Science and Management degree and will join up with his new team-mates in the summer.

James, 21, joined the Blues from Wasps last summer but suffered an early setback to his Bedford career when he broke his ankle early in the season.

The former Scotland U20 player was soon back on the field, though, and has provided firm competition for the Blues number two jersey.

Speaking about the signings, Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer said: “I’m delighted to have secured the services of two very talented young hookers for next season.

“Jacob has excellent pedigree from his time with Bath and Loughborough and his style of play will certainly fit in with our philosophy here at Goldington Road.

“Sam has been excellent for us this campaign and everyone is looking forward to him really kicking on next season. I think the pair of them will have an excellent competition to try and stake a claim for the hooker jersey.”