GEOFF IRVINE, the Bedford chairman, has criticised the decision to postpone the club’s opening National League first division game against Rotherham. While Rotherham continue their fight for survival, Bedford are left without a fixture next week. First Division Rugby (FDR) have authorised the postponement because of continued uncertainty surrounding Rotherham’s future.
“The uncertainty over Rotherham’s future so near to the start of the new season has caused great difficulties for the Bedford club, who were looking forward to a bumper crowd for their opening game,” Geoff Cooke, the FDR executive director, said.
“FDR has reluctantly accepted that a postponement decision made now is the best option available. FDR recognises that this does little to help Bedford, but it gives Rotherham a bit more time in which to secure their future as a viable National One club.”
Irvine, though, is furious and intends to vent his feelings at an FDR meeting next Wednesday. He will also seek financial compensation. “I am totally opposed to this postponement, and it will mean a significant financial loss to Bedford,” he said. “I am very disappointed that because the Rugby Football Union has been unable to reach a decision on Rotherham’s future this week, this has led to FDR’s ruling to postpone our opening match.”
Moves to try to rescue Rotherham, who have debts of more than £1 million, will continue over the Bank Holiday weekend.
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Dialogue has started between members of a local consortium and senior RFU figures, and a decision is expected from Twickenham next week on whether the consortium’s business plan and budget has been approved.
“We have a substantial pledged investment in excess of £500,000, but the job isn’t done,” Allan McHale, a consortium representative, said. “Given the shortness of time, we haven’t contacted many of the individuals and businesses who have been traditional supporters of the club. We are actively looking to get more on board, so we can establish a wide and solid base.”
Bedford, meanwhile, have signed two players from Rotherham. Leigh Hinton and Ben Lewitt are both in the squad to face Saracens in a pre-season game today. Hinton, a 25-year-old utility back, is one of the most prolific point scorers in the first division while Lewitt, also 25, has represented the England Sevens team.
Rudi Straeuli, the Bedford coach, said: “We could not fail to try to sign both of these players once they became available at Rotherham.” Both failed to play a single game for Rotherham after joining in the close season from Orrell.
Richard Hill, the England flanker, will make his first pre-season start for Saracens in the match. Hill had been expected to feature against Harlequins at Vicarage Road last night, but that game was cancelled because of the Harlequins injury list.