Joe Bedford: Built by Rugby, Shaped by The Grove Artwork

Grovian Voices

Grovian Voices is the Podcast for Woodhouse Grove School. It's your behind-the-scenes pass to life at one of the region’s most vibrant co-educational day and boarding schools in Yorkshire.

Tune in for inspiring stories, insightful interviews and exciting updates from students, staff and alumni.

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Grovian Voices

Joe Bedford: Built by Rugby, Shaped by The Grove

August 29, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 14

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In this inspiring episode of Grovian Voices, we sit down with Joe Bedford (00-02, st13-), Old Grovian and now the School’s Head of Rugby. Joe reflects on a remarkable journey that began in West Leeds and took him to the heights of professional rugby, before bringing him full circle back to The Grove, where his passion for the game was nurtured.

Joe played over 200 senior games across the Premiership, Championship and Pro12, representing clubs such as Leeds Carnegie, Rotherham Titans, Newport Gwent Dragons and Doncaster Knights. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing - this episode dives deep into the resilience, discipline and support that shaped Joe’s path, both as a player and now as a coach and mentor.

Joe shares what drives him as a teacher today and why Woodhouse Grove still holds a special place in his heart.

"Woodhouse Grove believed in me. It changed my life." Joe Bedford

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Eve Corry

Host