Bedford Blues will lock horns with the British Army on Thursday 6th April 2023, as one of the most historic fixtures in rugby returns to Goldington Road for the first time since 2019 (Gates Open 5pm; Kick Off 7:45pm).
Created in 1921, the Mobbs Memorial Match honours the former Bedford Modern School, Olney, Bedford, Northampton and England rugby legend, Edgar Mobbs. A World Rugby Hall-of-Fame inductee, Mobbs’ true heroic status was made on the battlefield of World War One.
One of his few appearances for Bedford was on a very special occasion as the Blues hosted New Zealand in 1905 at Goldington Road.
Contested between the East Midlands and the Barbarians until 2011, Bedford and Northampton have played host to the fixture every other year since 2012 when it was re-launched, going toe-to-toe with the Army Rugby Union on a biennial basis.
After taking a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the fixture returned last year at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens as a Saints XV – featuring many to have worn Bedford colours – secured a 59-7 win. Read the full match report here.
As is tradition, a military band will open the gates at 5pm, marching from the War Memorial on the Embankment at 16:30. Inside the ground there will be plenty of activation from various military displays, the new Ella-Mobbs Trophy will be joining us and a curtain-raiser between Bedford Modern School 1st XV v OBM XV at 17:30 on the main pitch.
Tickets for the game start from just £10 for adults, kids only £2! Prices will increase on matchday so don’t hesitate, click here to secure your ticket now!
PLEASE NOTE: Current service personnel of the British Armed Forces can pay on the gate for £6 with valid ID.
A very special hospitality package is available on the night from just £39 in The CMC Marquee. For more information and to book please email Bedford Blues directly.
BOOK MATCHDAY HOSPITALITY
Proceeds from the match will once again support the charitable aims of the Mobbs Memorial Fund, which promotes the development of youth rugby in the East Midlands.
Images from the last Mobbs Memorial Match between the Army and Bedford at Goldington Road in 2019.
Images – Alligin Photography © Lee Crabb
