Dorrian seals Bedford switch

 

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs can today confirm that fly-half Myles Dorrian is set to return to former club Bedford Blues on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 30-year-old signed on for the Blues following last weekend's 38-21 win over Jersey and is available for selection for the Plymouth Albion game on Saturday after all registration details were completed this week.

Signed from the Blues at the start of the 2011/12 season, the Australian-born back made his Chiefs debut in the LV= Cup win over the Ospreys in October 2011 and has since gone on to feature for the Devon club nine times, scoring a total of 20 points in the process.

With first team opportunities limited for Dorrian, Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter has given his blessing for the player to return to Goldington Road where he played 63 times, scoring 201 points during a two-season spell.

Baxter said: "Obviously we have several players here that just want to be playing rugby and now that we've concluded our A League and our LV= Cup programmes, some of these guys have asked if there is an opportunity to play rugby somewhere, they would like to play.

"Myles is one of those guys and there was an opportunity up at Bedford, a club he knows very well, so it's good for him to go and play. We will obviously get the opportunity to see him play and we'll keep close tabs on him whilst he is up there.

"Loan agreements are what they are - if we need him back here for any reason, he will be back with us - but this deal does give him the opportunity to get more game time under his belt and I think it's a good move for him and a good move for Bedford."

Dorrian's return to the Championship has been welcomed by Bedford's Director of Rugby, Mike Rayer, who added: "Having Mylo back is a real bonus for us as we strive to finish in the top four and make the play-offs.  We are entering a very critical time in the season and having a steady head like Myles on board gives us another great option at ten. We are looking forward to seeing how he has matured and improved in such a great environment at Sandy Park.

"We want to thank Rob Baxter and Exeter Chiefs for their co-operation in this deal and we are over the moon that Mylo showed such desire in wanting to return to Goldington Road."