Mike Rayer: Bedford Blues ‘ripe for investment’, says long-serving boss

The Welshman has been in charge at Bedford since 2005, leading them to the British and Irish Cup final in 2011 and the Championship final in 2013.

Victory in this year’s play-off final would see Bedford remain a Champ club with traditional promotion and relegation to and from the Prem scrapped from the start of next season but that has not changed Rayer’s approach.

“The Championship is the best competition in England for club rugby,” he said.

“Our way in the immediate future is blocked so all you can do is aspire to be the best at your level. That’s a realistic hope for all of us in the Champ – to look forward to the play-offs every year and potentially a play-off final.”

Bedford finished the regular season in second place, 30 points behind top side Ealing but ahead of their opponents Coventry who, along with divisional rivals Worcester, Doncaster and Cornish Pirates, are a full-time club.

“We’re the only part-time team left in the semi-finals which says a lot about how the place is run from the boardroom down,” added Rayer.

“We’re pretty proud of that. We’ve been pretty consistent with our results although performances haven’t been up there all season but that’s the nature of a long season.

“We’ve got an incredible link with the town and a real connection with the people and we just set up the boys to go out there and express themselves.”