MENTION of Bedford Modern school elsewhere in this paper calls to mind one of the saddest stories in English rugby history, a sure fire star of the future being cut down randomly in his teenage pomp. I am talking of Dick Stafford who I am guessing you possibly haven’t heard of.
A star rower and unmatchable schoolboy athlete – in his short career he amassed nearly 40 trophies for the family mantlepiece – rugby was nonetheless his main love. He broke into the School First XV aged 13 and captained the side aged 15. A year later he made his senior debut as a flanker for the Bedford Club.