Bedford Blues reinforce line-up by signing Donald Barrell and Stefan Liebenberg – Rugby news
Bedford based English Rugby Union team, Bedford Blues, has strengthened their squad for the next season with the signing of utility forward Donald “Don” Barrell and scrum half Stefan Liebenberg. Officials confirmed the signing
of the players in a statement released on the Club’s website.
Goldington Road based Blues compete in the Rugby Football Union’s English RFU championship and they finished fourth on the 2010-11 championship tables, with 68 points after winning 14 of their 22 games in the season. Worcester
Warriors won the championships to secure the premiership berth that year.
Blues were the semifinalists in the last season of the RFU championship. Worcester Warriors defeated Blues 23 – 22 at Sixways Stadium Worcester to book a place in the finals that eventually earned them a place in the premiership 2011/12 season. Blues finished
second on the championships table at the end of the round matches with 82 point coming from 17 wins out of their 22 games in the season.
Bedford Blues director of rugby, Mike Rayer, has welcomed the signing of both players and termed them as a major reinforcement of Blues forwards and backs line.
Watford born Barrell is a talented back row player and can play at flanker and number eight position. He joined Saracens in 2001 and made his debut for the professional senior side against the Northampton Saints during March 2004. The 25-year-old Barrell
has represented the England’s national rugby union team at Under-16 and under-18 levels. In 2009/10 season he was included in the England’s Sevens squad.
Barrell so far has made 39 appearances for Saracens and scored 15 points. Commenting on the premiership winners in which Barrel was a member, Rayer said, “We are delighted to have such an experienced and passionate player signing for us and I know Don is
really excited about joining the club and pursuing a career in education.”
Rayer further added that, “"We've seen what he (Barrell) can do and he comes with a fine reference from all the coaches down at Saracens. I've no doubt Don will add great value not just in the back row but also to the group we are assembling here at Goldington
Road."
Scrum half Stefan Liebenberg has replaced Will Chudley who has signed with the Newcastle Falcons. Rayer has termed Liebenberg as a quality player and confirmed that the Blues were following him for a few months. He praised his talents and abilities and expressed
his hopes that Liebenberg will make the most of the opportunity provided to him by the team.
Rayer further added, “He has plenty of experience and has more than served his apprenticeship at both Old Albanians and Cambridge under the tutelage of James Shanahan and we are delighted that he has signed."
Additionally, Blues have also handed over a senior team contract to Blues Academy product, the 21-year-old hooker, Chris Locke.
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