Tom Bedford takes a hit during his England U19 days © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Players/Officials: Corne Uys

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Bedford Blues | England | Newcastle Falcons

The Newcastle Falcons have recruited centre Tom Bedford on a permanent deal from Championship side the Bedford Blues.

Bedford joined Bedford from the Exeter Chiefs in the summer of 2010 and following a series of impressive performances for the Blues, he has journeyed to the Aviva Premiership side. Fellow centre Corne Uys has struggled with injuries since his switch from Super Rugby side the Cheetahs and Bedford will look to push the South African for a place in the first-team at Kingston Park.

Blues director of rugby Mike Rayer admitted it was a tough call to let Bedford leave the side but the two met an amicable agreement over the financial side of the matter.

"Hopefully this will be a good opportunity for Tom and that he will be able to get plenty of game time to prove himself," Rayer said. "We all wish him well and although it's been a tough call, Tom really wanted to give it a crack and we respect that.

"In looking at our options within the squad at present we feel we have enough depth at this time to cover his departure. Both clubs have come to a suitable financial agreement and therefore Tom is free join the Falcon's with immediate effect."

And Falcons boss Alan Tait is relishing the chance to see Bedford line up for his side. "He is a young English player who is keen as mustard to get back into full professional rugby and I am sure he will give it his best shot," Tait said. "He is here until the end of the season and he will get three or four months to prove himself and hopefully I can offer him a deal."

Revealing that Bedford could be set to start this weekend's showdown with the Chiefs, Tait added: "It has been a baptism of fire for Tom but he certainly didn't look out of place and I was really pleased with the way he looked after training.

"He just wants a crack at Aviva Premiership rugby - he is a nice lad and knows young Will Chudley from their time at Bedford which will help him."