EXPERIENCED centre Tom Bedford has joined newly-promoted National Two South side Exmouth following his departure from Plymouth Albion.

Bedford featured in every one of Albion’s 30 National One matches last term, but, like many of the 2015/16 squad, was only offered a pay-as-you-play deal by the new owners at Brickfields.

The 27-year-old former Exeter, Newcastle, Bedford and Cornish Pirates was considering retiring and just concentrating on his day job as an estate agent.

However, ambitious Exmouth have persuaded him to join them.

Bedford follows fellow Albion centre Jake Murphy in dropping down a league. Murphy, Plymouth’s captain last season, recently joined Barnstaple, who were promoted with Exmouth to National Two South last term.

Bedford said: “I am delighted to be joining Exmouth and have always heard very good things about the club and its people.

“Having met Jon (Hill) a number of times, I have been impressed with the way the club operates and how professional the club appears to be behind the scenes.

“Exmouth is the perfect fit for me, as I live and work locally and I am able to continue to play National League rugby on my doorstep, so I am really excited about the challenge ahead.”

Exmouth coach Hill added: “We are delighted to be able to bring a player with the ability and experience of Tom to the club and hope he can make a big impact at Exmouth RFC.”

Tom Bedford shakes hands with Nunn Rickard managing partner Stephen Nunn outside their Exeter office. Nunn Rickard are sponsoring him to play at Exmouth.