Bedford Blues sign up Ben Gulliver & Tom Armes

Bedford Blues have signed Worcester lock Ben Gulliver and Leicester back-row forward Tom Armes for next season.

Gulliver, 30, has spent the last 12 months at Sixways, playing in five Premiership games, and has experience with Cornish Pirates and Plymouth.

And 21-year-old Armes, who started out in the Blues youth ranks, has featured seven times for the Tigers.

"Tom is a fantastic talent who we all know really well," said Bedford boss Mike Rayer.

"I'm sure he will slot in perfectly within our back row.

"We all know just how important a player Ben was for the Pirates and how influential he was down in the West Country.

"I have no doubts that after a stint in the Premiership, he will be fired up and raring to get going for us next term."