Bedford aiming to bow out with survival secured

The livewire scrum-half, who played for Rotherham, Leeds and Newport Gwent Dragons, will start a new career as a teacher next season which means he will only play rugby part-time.

A shoulder injury he sustained last year that brought a premature end to his time in Wales helped the 29-year-old put his career in perspective.

“It made me take stock and realise what’s important,” said Bedford, who is taking a position as PE specialist and sports coach at Bronte House, a preparatory school for Woodhouse Grove, in September.

“It’s given me the opportunity to give something back to the game and continue playing rugby for the love of it.”

Before then, he wants to go out with a bang by helping Doncaster avoid Championship relegation.

They play three games in a week to decide their fate, starting with what could be a relegation decider with Jersey next Saturday.

“If we are going to do it, we’re going to do it the hard way,” said Bedford, who is expected to be fit after suffering injury against Nottingham.

“We’ve been in position to win every game. I just don’t know whether it’s the fear of failure that’s made us tighten up and stop playing. People are playing for their futures and the futures of everyone at the club, but we’re not a bad side and it’s achievable.”