PLYMOUTH Albion prop Christian Judge will join Championship play-off side Bedford Blues this summer.
Judge is the latest player to opt to leave Brickfields in the light of the departure of Graham Dawe.
Albion have now lost their entire current starting front-row, with hooker James Penman agreeing a move to Darlington Mowden Park and loose-head prop Ollie Dawe heading to Bristol, who have also signed fly-half Billy Searle.
Bedford’s director of rugby Mike Rayer believes Cornwall player Judge is going to be a major asset at Goldington Road.
He said: “We’ve been keeping an eye on Christian for a little while now and it has to be said that he is an exceptional talent who has been a shining light at Plymouth and in National One this season.
“He’s a solid unit with an amazing amount of power and knowing that he has had Graham Dawe’s guidance throughout the season is another huge bonus.”
Former Callington Community College pupil Judge joined Albion last summer from Launceston. He admits he has learnt so much this season working with former England international Dawe.
“Graham has always pushed us and worked us hard, but I think that as paid off,” said Judge, who was selected for the England Counties squad this season.
“I definitely feel I have learnt a lot and being at Albion has been a really enriching experience.
“I had never played National One before, so this season has been real a learning curve. It has been whirlwind season.”
He added: “This season has been really, really enjoyable and we have really grown as a team.
“This is one of the most enjoyable squads I have been involved and a genuine honour to be involved in.”
To let so many young and talented players leave the club is nothing less than criminal. A few losses were expected, but this degree of loss is negligent. Surely the new owners realised thst the club had some wonderful assets (i.e, the coaching team and players).
So many of those are going, I can only assume that the new owners simply belief that the acronym PARFC will generate success, without bothering with the details.
Perhaps the budget needed to be trimmed, but surely not be letting the diamonds escape through your hands. Perhaps all that will be left is the dross!
Get your heads out of you own ….. fundemantal misconceptions. What a waste!!