The Life and times of a Professional Rugby Player

A very interesting presentation with Ryan Robinson Media Manager for Bedford Blues  "interviewing" Jamie Elliott  about his career and ambitions on his return to Goldrington Road.

Educated at Bedford School, Elliott was a product of the Northampton Saints academy,  with 155 appearances for the Franklin Gardens outfit with a Premiership debut at 18years of age. He went on to be part of the squad that lifted the Premiership and Challenge Cup double and was the top try scorer for Saints in 2012/13. Following his departure from Saints, Elliott spent a short period with Goldington Road but was quickly lurred away by the Itailian Club Zebre where he played until 2021.

Currently recovering from an operation of a hamstring he plans to be back in action in September. Jamie went on to say that he spends time preparing for a game both in terms of his fittness but also in thinking about the game, preparing himself for the contest and visualising the plays. The culture at Bedford Blues is led by Mike Rayer, who is in his view the best coach in the game. Rayer insists that to get the best out of players, players need to get to know each other well, both on and off the pitch. Only then will players be able to see the opportunties develop within the game.

Looking at the modern game full-time professional rugby is gone and players like himself have to balance their employment as well as the stresses of part-time rugby and with language and cultural differences. For the younger players it is essential that they get the balance correct between playing and education to get something behind them for later life.

With the Premier Rugby Cup Competition this year Bedford Blues are hoping they can make their mark with the first game at Goldrington Road against Leicester Tigers.

Jamie becomes the second Bedfordshire born player to sign on the dotted line for 2022/23.