A community rugby club with history, heart and ambition.
Bedford Swifts Rugby Union Football Club is a welcoming rugby club in Bedford for players, families, volunteers, supporters and local businesses.
Whether you are new to rugby, returning after time away, or looking for a club to support, Bedford Swifts offers a place to belong.
Get involvedBedford rugby, built around people.
Bedford Swifts has been part of the local rugby landscape since 1882. Over that time, the club has brought together generations of players, families, supporters and volunteers.
Today, Bedford Swifts continues to be a community-focused rugby club that values effort, teamwork, respect and belonging. We are proud of our history, but our focus is firmly on creating a positive future for rugby in Bedford.
From training nights and matchdays to volunteering, sponsorship and social events, the club is shaped by the people who turn up and make it happen.
A club with clear values.
Bedford Swifts is more than what happens on the pitch. The club is built around the values that make rugby such a powerful part of local community life.
Community
A welcoming environment for players, families, supporters, volunteers and sponsors.
Respect
Respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and everyone involved in the club.
Development
Helping people build confidence, improve their skills and enjoy rugby at their own level.
Belonging
Creating a club culture where people feel welcome from the moment they arrive.
Meet Ade James.
Ade James is an experienced rugby coach supporting Bedford Swifts Men’s 1st XV and wider rugby development across the region. With coaching experience dating back to 1996, Ade has worked across junior rugby, senior rugby, men’s rugby and women’s rugby.
Qualified to RFU ERCA Level 2 in 2018 and RFU ERACA Level 3 in 2023, Ade brings a strong technical foundation and a modern player-led coaching approach to Bedford Swifts.
Ade currently coaches Bedford Swifts Men’s 1st XV, East Midlands County Senior Women, East Midlands County Girls U18s and Oundle Senior Women. His coaching focuses on developing players in a fun, safe and challenging environment.
- Player-led rugby coaching sessions designed to develop specific skills.
- Specialist focus on attacking rugby, backs play and decision-making.
- Development of clear pathways from junior rugby into senior rugby.
- Support for physical and mental attributes needed to transition into senior rugby.
- Commitment to learning, confidence building and long-term player development.
New to rugby or coming back?
Bedford Swifts welcomes people at different stages of their rugby journey.
New to rugby
You do not need previous rugby experience to get involved. If you are thinking about trying rugby for the first time, Bedford Swifts provides a supportive environment where you can learn the game, build confidence and meet new people.
Try rugbyReturning players
If you have spent time away from rugby, Bedford Swifts can help you find your way back. Whether your break has been short or long, the club offers a friendly route back into training, fitness and club life.
Return to rugbyA club for the whole community.
Bedford Swifts is built by more than just players. Volunteers, parents, supporters, sponsors and local businesses all play an important role in helping the club thrive.
Whether you want to play, coach, volunteer, sponsor or simply support from the sidelines, there is a place for you at Bedford Swifts.
Contact the clubReady to become part of the club?
If you are looking for a rugby club in Bedford, want to return to the game, or would like to support a local community club, we would love to hear from you.
Start your journey