Bristol Bears Women, formerly Clifton Ladies RFC, then Bristol Ladies, is a women's rugby union team based in Bristol, England. They are a standalone, independent rugby club, running in partnership with the Bristol Bears (formerly Bristol Rugby) since becoming affiliated to them in 2008[1] and play their home matches at Dings RFC in the Premier 15s.[2]
| Full name | Bristol Bears Women |
|---|---|
| Union | RFU |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Ground(s) | Shaftesbury Park |
| League(s) | Premier 15s |
History edit
Bristol Ladies were founded as Clifton Ladies RFC in 1984 for what was intended as a one-off match against Weston Hornets. They eventually made it into the Women's Premiership before being relegated. In 2002, they defeated Nottingham Medoc Casuals in the RFUW Rugby World National Cup Final at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton, Northamptonshire, which they won with thirteen international players in their side. They were the first club outside of the London clubs of Richmond Women, Saracens Women and Wasps Ladies to win the trophy.[3] In 2007, they were promoted back into the Women's Premiership and played one more season as Clifton RFC. In 2009, Clifton became affiliated to Bristol Rugby, who then took over the running of the team from Clifton RFC.[1] In 2012, they moved to Portway Rugby Development Centre from Dings Crusaders Rugby Football Club's ground that they were sharing with Dings Crusaders. This made them the first women's rugby club to own their own facilities.[4]
Current squad edit
The Bristol Bears squad for the 2023–24 season is:[5]
Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.
Notable players edit
At the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup three Bristol Ladies players captained their national teams. Sarah Hunter, Carys Phillips and Claire Molloy captained England, Wales and Ireland respectively.[6]
England internationals
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Wales internationals
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Great Britain sevens internationals
Ireland internationals
References edit
- ^ a b "Clifton Ladies". Clifton RFC. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ a b "Bristol Ladies". RFU. 22 August 2013. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ "Women's Cup Final". Rugbymatters.net. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ Bristol, The (16 August 2012). "Twelve sides line up in Robbie's memory". Bristol Post. Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ "Bears Women confirm squad for 2023/24 season". 5 July 2023.
- ^ a b "Bristol Ladies Trio To Lead World Cup Efforts As Captains". www.bristolrugby.co.uk. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
- ^ "Waterman selected for Wales test". BBC Sport. 31 January 2008. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ Liza Burgess (6 February 2014). "Liza Burgess". WRU. Archived from the original on 6 March 2014. Retrieved 28 February 2014.
- ^ "Bristol quintet in England women's elite rugby squad". BBC Sport. 19 October 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2014.