Bedford Blues sign Cambridge's Fox and Cooper

Bedford Blues have signed Cambridge forward pair Darren Fox and Ben Cooper.

Former Northampton Saints player Fox, 31, will offer timely cover for injured flanker Sacha Harding  .

And 22-year-old tight-head prop Cooper could join his team-mate in the Blues squad that travels to Leeds for Saturday's Championship clash.

"Ben has been impressive for Cambridge ever since he pulled on the shirt back in 2008 and I think that he has great potential," said boss Mike Rayer.

"Having played a few pre-season friendlies against Cambridge, we are more than aware of what Darren can do and, with Sacha out for another month at least, this has proven to be a great opportunity to bring Darren on board."

Both players were free to leave Cambridge after it was revealed the National One side could no longer afford to pay their squad's wages  .