Hannah Botterman, Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward will start in the pack, with Sarah Bern and Holly Aitchison among the replacements.
 
Abby Dow will earn her 50th Red Roses cap, forming part of a backline which is unchanged from Round 2 with head coach Mitchell making three changes to the pack.
 
Gloucester-Hartpury back row Alex Matthews returns for her first appearance of the tournament with club teammate Maud Muir and Bristol Bear Hannah Botterman coming into the front row.

Red Roses team to play Ireland
 
15 Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 50 caps)
14 Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 49 caps)
13 Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 22 caps)
12 Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 27 caps)
11 Jess Breach (Saracens, 44 caps)
10 Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 55 caps)
9 Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 77 caps)
1 Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 53 caps)
2 Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 63 caps)
3 Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 37 caps)
4 Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 19 caps)
5 Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 71 caps)
6 Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 60 caps) – captain
7 Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 20 caps)
8 Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 72 caps)
 
Replacements
 
16 Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 81 caps)
17 Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 10 caps)
18 Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 68 caps)
19 Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 21 caps)
20 Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 12 caps)
21 Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 28 caps)
22 Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 37 caps)
23 Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 36 caps)

The post Five Bears to face Ireland in Cork appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Ward joined the Bears in 2021, leading Bears to four successive PWR semi-finals and one final during his tenure. During his time at the club, Ward oversaw a number of players progressing to international honours.

Gavin Marshall, Bristol Sport Group CEO and Bears Women Director, said: “We thank Dave for his significant contribution to Bristol Bears Women during his four seasons in charge.

“He has overseen a year-on-year improvement of the club’s women’s programme, achieving four top four finishes, becoming the first side to win an away semi-final in the PWR and coming close to winning a maiden PWR title.

“Dave has improved our squad and programme, laying the foundations for the next chapter of this team. He leaves with our gratitude and thanks for his contribution to the Bears – we wish him luck in his next chapter.”

Ward said: “I would like to thank Bristol Bears for the opportunity to coach the Women’s programme for the last four years – an opportunity that I’ve absolutely loved and one that I will hold very close for many years to come.

“The staff I have worked with, and in particular the support we have had from Steve, Maggie and Jon Lansdown, has made the club one of the leading programmes in the country.

“I would also like to thank Pat Lam and the coaching team, who have supported the programme from day one of me arriving, and none more so than assistant coach Tom Luke, who has been with me every step of the way in what has been an incredible journey.

“I’ve always known the people of Bristol are special, but the support that the Women have had over the years that I have been here has been much more than I could have ever hoped for. 

“Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank the players. Their dedication, skill and commitment on a week-to-week basis, to not only keep improving as a rugby player, but to inspire the next generation has left a massive imprint on me and the city as well.

“I look forward to seeing the fans when I’m back in the stands as a supporter (not shouting) of this great club.”

The post Bears Women Head Coach Dave Ward to depart the club appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The only alteration to the starting lineup sees Jade Konkel come in to play at number 8.

The other changes include two potential debutants, Molly Poolman and Becky Boyd, who have been named among the forward replacements.

Aside from Konkel’s inclusion, the starting pack remains unchanged – with Anne Young, Lana Skeldon and Elliann Clarke forming the front-row, while last weekend’s debutant Hollie Cunningham partners Sarah Bonar in the second row. Captain Rachel Malcolm and Rachel McLachlan complete the back row alongside Konkel.

Scotland’s backline remains intact following a strong performance against Wales. Leia Brebner-Holden and Helen Nelson continue their half-back partnership whilst Lisa Thomson and Emma Orr retain their berths in the centre. Francesca McGhie, Rhona Lloyd and Chloe Rollie make up the back three.

On the bench, Elis Martin and last weekend’s try-scorer, Leah Bartlett, join Poolman as front-row replacements. Adelle Ferrie, who made her Scotland debut last week, is named alongside Boyd and Alex Stewart as additional forward cover.

Caity Mattinson and Evie Wills both earn selection for the second week in a row to complete the squad as backs replacements.

Evie Gallagher is unavailable for selection following a one-match suspension after receiving a red card against Wales.

Scotland Women team (caps in brackets) to face France in Round 2 of the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations on Saturday 29 March (kick-off 1pm GMT) – broadcast live across BBC iPlayer.

15. Chloe Rollie – Trailfinders Women (71)
14. Rhona Lloyd – Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais (53)
13. Emma Orr – Bristol Bears (25)
12. Lisa Thomson – Trailfinders Women (66)
11. Francesca McGhie – Leicester Tigers (18)
10. Helen Nelson (vice-captain) – Loughborough Lightning (65)
9. Leia Brebner-Holden – Loughborough Lightning (6)

1. Anne Young – Loughborough Lightning (16)
2. Lana Skeldon – Bristol Bears (75)
3. Elliann Clarke – Bristol Bears (16)
4. Hollie Cunningham – Bristol Bears (1)
5. Sarah Bonar – Harlequins (43)
6. Rachel Malcolm (captain) – Unattached (53)
7. Rachel McLachlan – Montpellier (47)
8. Jade Konkel – Harlequins (67)

Replacements

16. Elis Martin – Loughborough Lightning (16)
17. Leah Bartlett – Leicester Tigers (39)
18. Molly Poolman –Edinburgh Rugby/Watsonian FC (uncapped)
19. Adelle Ferrie – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (1)
20. Becky Boyd – Loughborough Lightning (uncapped)
21. Alex Stewart – Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars (9)
22. Caity Mattinson – Trailfinders Women (28)
23. Evie Wills – Leicester Tigers (3)

The post Scotland name four Bears for France clash appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Sarah Bern, Lark Atkin-Davies and Abbie Ward are both named in the Red Roses starting XV, with Hannah Botterman and Holly Aitchison among the replacements, while Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and Keira Bevan start for Wales in the round two clash, with Courtney Keight on the bench.

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The 25-year-old loosehead, who has already won 52 caps for her country, joined the Bears from Saracens in 2023 and has made XX appearances for the club over the past two seasons.

Head Coach, Dave Ward, said: “Botts has made an incredible impact in the short time she has been at Bears, and we are delighted that she will be with us for next season.

“We still believe her best rugby is in front of her, and we can’t wait to see that in a Bears shirt. The personality and energy she brings to the group is something very unique to her and we are very happy she is here to stay.”

Botterman said: “I’m really pleased to have signed on for two more years with the Bears. It’s a great team and club to be a part of and I’m excited to see what this group can achieve.”

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The 30-year-old hooker, who has won 62 caps for the Red Roses, scored 12 tries in the 2024/25 PWR season and has been prolific for the Bears since arriving from Worcester Warriors in 2022.

Head Coach, Dave Ward, said: “Lark has played some outstanding rugby this season and the levels she has achieved both at set piece and in the loose she must be in the frame for the standout hooker in the world right now.

“The consistency and accuracy of performance she has put in to almost be at 50 appearances shows the impact she has had to the success of the squad, and we can’t wait for what’s to come.”

Atkin-Davies said: “I’m excited to be staying with Bears for another season. This club, the fans, the people and the incredible atmosphere at Ashton Gate and Shaftesbury Park make it a special place to play. I can’t wait to keep building with this team on and off the field.”

The post Red Roses try machine Lark Atkin-Davies signs extension appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Previously-capped forwards Chloe Flanagan (Saracens, 7 caps), Steph Else (Gloucester-Hartpury, 8 caps) and Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, 3 caps) all link up with the squad, as well as Lia Green of Loughborough Lightning (6 caps) and Sale Sharks wing Eva Wood.  

The aforementioned cohort add experience to a squad boasting a further nine capped players heading into the spring training block. 27 of the 35 selected players achieved game time in the 2024/25 Premiership Women’s Rugby and/or PWR UP Series.  

With the 2025 Guinness Women’s Six Nations kicking-off last weekend, eight of this weekend’s U20 Women’s training squad have benefitted from training with the Red Roses in 2025 in preparation for the campaign. Millie David (Bristol Bears), Loughborough Lightning’s Lia Green, Haineala Lutui, Carmela Morrall and Amelia Williams, and Maddy Page, Sarah Parry and Tyla Shirley of Harlequins were all included in the senior environment for the first time. 

England U20 Women will face South Africa next month on Saturday 12th April at the National Rugby Centre, Marcoussis, for their first match of the 2024/25 campaign. The Women’s Pathway side will then reconvene in May at Loughborough University (19th-21st) and Bisham Abbey (28th-30th) ahead of this summer’s Six Nations Women’s Summer Series.  

LJ Lewis said: “With the domestic season now concluded, we have an important period to capitalise on and work toward our test window this spring and summer. The fixture against South Africa is an exciting one, and our squad is building nicely ahead of a challenging test in a neutral venue. 

“Our players have benefitted a huge amount from the minutes they’ve earned with their clubs and universities and their learnings have been instrumental in their development to complement their time with England this year. 

“It’s great to have Lia [Green], Steph [Else], Chloe [Flanagan] and Annabel [Meta] integrated back into our environment, and we look forward to welcoming Eva [Wood] to our group. I know the players will bond and support each other’s ambitions this week as we look to become test-ready and create as many winning moments in our preparation as possible.” 

England U20 Women’s March camp squad (includes current club, community club and U20 caps) 

Jasmine Adonri (Trailfinders Women, Dartford Valley Rugby Club, uncapped) 

Iley Bailey (Harlequins, Farnham RFC, uncapped) 

Lucy Calladine (c) (Loughborough Lightning, Burton Rugby Football Club, 6 caps)  

Steph Else (Gloucester-Hartpury, Scarborough RUFC, 8 caps) 

Lucy Finch (Loughborough Lightning, Newbury RFC, uncapped)  

Keevy Fitzpatrick (Loughborough Lightning, Sudbury RFC, uncapped)  

Chloe Flanagan (Saracens, Ampthill RUFC, 7 caps) 

Zara Green (Harlequins, Lewes RFC, uncapped) 

Amelia Hyndman (Sale Sharks, Bishop Auckland RUFC, 2 caps)  

Haineala Lutui (Loughborough Lightning, Worcester RFC, uncapped)  

Sophie McQueen (Gloucester-Hartpury, Chippenham RFC, uncapped) 

Annabel Meta (Trailfinders Women, Wimbledon RFC, 3 caps) 

Maddy Page (Harlequins, Buckingham RFC, uncapped) 

Lilly Plowman (Exeter Chiefs, Crediton RFC, uncapped) 

Tyla Shirley (Harlequins, Hove RFC, 5 caps)  

Lucy Simpson (Gloucester-Hartpury, Rams RFC, uncapped)  

Alisha Smith (Gloucester-Hartpury, Drybrook RFC, uncapped)  

Ellie Smith (Leicester Tigers, Barton under Needwood RFC, uncapped)  

Amelia Williams (Loughborough Lightning, Medway RFC, 7 caps)  

Backs 

Daisy Aspinall (Gloucester-Hartpury, Stafford RFC, uncapped) 

Molly Bunker (Gloucester-Hartpury, Havant RFC, uncapped) 

Ella Cromack (Harlequins, Reading RFC, 4 caps)   

Millie David (Bristol Bears, Reading RFC, 5 caps)  

Jess Doyle (Bath University, Northern Football Club, uncapped) 

Natalee Evans (Bristol Bears, Shrewsbury RFC, uncapped)  

Lia Green (Loughborough Lightning, Winscombe RFC, 6 caps) 

Evie Haskell (Newcastle University, Mansfield Rugby Club, uncapped) 

Sophie Hopkins (Sale Sharks, Fullerians RFC, 4 caps)  

Millie Hyett (Gloucester-Hartpury, Evesham RFC, 6 caps)  

Poppy Love (Trailfinders Women, Grasshoppers RFC, uncapped) 

Amelia MacDougall (Saracens, Old Albanian RFC, 5 caps)  

Carmela Morrall (Loughborough Lightning, Dubai Hurricanes, 5 caps)  

Sarah Parry (Harlequins, Newtown Rugby Club, uncapped)  

Abigail Pritchard (Gloucester-Hartpury, Medway RFC, uncapped) 

Eva Wood (Sale Sharks, Old Halesonians RFC, uncapped) 

The post David and Evans selected for England U20 training camp appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Holly Aitchison starts at inside centre for the Red Roses against Italy at a sold-out LNER Community Stadium, York on Sunday in the opening round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

Hannah Botterman, Sarah Bern and Abbie Ward are all included among the replacements for the reigning champions.

In Edinburgh, Hollie Cunningham is set for her Scotland debut against Wales, with five Bears named in the Scotland starting XV.

Cunningham starts at lock, with Elliann Clarke named at tighthead, Lana Skeldon at hooker and Evie Gallagher at number eight. Emma Orr makes her long awaited return from injury in the midfield.

In the red corner, Keira Bevan is named vice-captain for Sean Lynn’s first game in charge, with Jasmine Joyce-Butchers and Courtney Keight all selected.

England team to face Italy: Sing; Venner, Scarratt, Aitchison, MacDonald; Rowland, L Packer; Clifford, Cokayne, Muir, Galligan, Ives Campion, Aldcroft (capt), M Packer, Feaunati.

Replacements: Campbell, Botterman, Bern, Ward, Kabeya, Robinson, Shekells, Kildunne.

Scotland XV: Chloe Rollie (Trailfinders), Rhona Lloyd (Les Lionnes du Stade Bordelais) , Emma Orr (Bristol Bears), Lisa Thomson (Trailfinders), Francesca McGhie (Leicester Tigers), Helen Nelson (Loughborough Lightning), Leia Brebner-Holden (Loughborough Lightning); Anne Young (Loughborough Lightning), Lana Skeldon (Bristol Bears), Elliann Clarke (Bristol Bears), Hollie Cunningham (Bristol Bears), Sarah Bonar (Harlequins), Rachel Malcolm, captain (Unattached), Rachel McLachlan (Montpellier), Evie Gallagher (Bristol Bears).

Replacements: Elis Martin (Loughborough Lightning), Leah Bartlett (Leicester Tigers), Christine Belisle (Loughborough Lightning), Adelle Ferrie (Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars), Alex Stewart (Edinburgh Rugby/Corstorphine Cougars), Jade Konkel (Harlequins), Caity Mattinson (Trailfinders), Evie Wills (Leicester Tigers).

The post Women’s Six Nations team news: Round One appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Reed, who joined the club in 2009, won 67 caps for the Red Roses, scoring 140 points along the way, including winning the 2014 World Cup with England.

A classy and versatile back, Reed has starred at fly-half and centre throughout her stellar career as well as being an accurate and reliable goal kicker, landing 37 conversions, ten penalties and two drop goals on the international stage.

Reed said: “After 16 seasons and nearly 200 appearances for club and country, it’s time for me to hang up my boots and bring an end to my playing career.

“From gracing the school sevens field, all the way to winning the World Cup and everything in between, it’s been one helluva ride!

“Through every success and failure I’ve encountered throughout my career, I can say that I’ve always given 100% for myself, my team and the supporters. As my younger self looking into the future, it fills me with immense happiness that I can step away from the field knowing that I gave it my all every time and I have no regrets.

“I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all the people who have played a big part in making me a better player and person along the way. I will be forever grateful.

“To the fans: Thank you for being incredible! I will always remember the feeling of that pitch side roar playing in front of so many of you; the stuff dreams are made of. The transition of women’s rugby, and women’s sport in general, during my playing career has been phenomenal.

“None of it would have been possible without you – please keep showing up and together we can make amazing things happen, especially with England 2025 on the horizon.”

Head Coach, Dave Ward, said: “Amber has been an incredible servant to Bristol and in the four years I have had the pleasure to work with her, she has played some fantastic rugby and led the team superbly.

“Her attitude and team first mentality has been an inspiration to the programme, and we know she will be successful in whatever comes next. I would like to thank Amber for her commitment to Bears over the years and pay tribute to her performances particular at the end of the season which guided us into the semi-finals.”

The post ‘One helluva ride!’ – Legendary Amber Reed announces retirement appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The 31-year-old, who has won 69 caps for England having made her debut against Italy in 2018, has co-captained the Bears during the last three seasons and remains a key leader on and off the field.

Head Coach, Dave Ward, said: “Abbie has been playing some exceptional rugby this season and we are delighted that she has committed her future to the club.

“Her leadership through some of the difficult patches of this season is what helped the team to achieve top four status, and she has once again led the most successful lineout in the league as well as being part of a pack that has dominated the scrums.”

Abbie Ward said: “I’m incredibly excited to extend my time with the Bristol Bears for another two years.

“It’s been a privilege to be part of this team and I’m grateful for the support from the club, my teammates, and the fans. We’ve achieved so much already, and I’m looking forward to pushing ourselves even further as we aim for more success in the seasons ahead.

“We have created something special at Bristol Bears, and I’m proud to be part of it!”

The post World class lock Abbie Ward pens new Bears deal appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The 27-year-old, who joined the club in 2018, has earned 66 caps for her country and remains the leading tighthead prop in the women’s game.

Head Coach, Dave Ward, said: “Sarah is playing the best rugby of her career and the fact that she will continue to do this in a Bears shirt is extremely exciting.

“Her line breaks and running ability has been there for all to see but to be part of a scrum that achieved a league record 41 penalties is testament to her set piece and her endeavour to become the complete player.

“Her form heading into this year’s Rugby World Cup will excite both England and Bears fans.”

Bern said: “I’m really happy to be staying at Bears. I love the girls and I’m excited to take on another season with them all.

“I believe it’s the best place for me right now and I believe the Bears are growing into something special.” 

The post World class Sarah Bern signs Bears extension appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Gloucester-Hartpury’s Zoe Aldcroft will captain the Red Roses, supported by vice captains Megan Jones of Leicester Tigers and Saracens back row Marlie Packer. 

The 37-player squad – consisting of 21 forwards and 16 backs – will assemble at Pennyhill Park on Tuesday 18 March to continue preparations for the opening round against Italy at LNER Community Stadium, York. Uncapped players amongst the cohort are Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women), Charlotte Fray (Leicester Tigers), Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs) and Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury). 

“We have selected a really exciting mix of players and a squad with great depth,” Mitchell said.  

“Depth provides healthy competition as we look to evolve our combinations. It will be really good to get everyone together; this is an important week to refocus and get everyone on the same page as quickly as we can.”  

Red Roses Guinness Women’s Six Nations Squad 

Forwards 

Zoe Aldcroft (Gloucester-Hartpury, 58 caps) - captain 
Lark Atkin-Davies (Bristol Bears, 62 caps)  
Sarah Beckett (Gloucester-Hartpury, 35 caps)  
Sarah Bern (Bristol Bears, 66 caps)  
Hannah Botterman (Bristol Bears, 51 caps)  
Georgia Brock (Gloucester-Hartpury, 2 caps)  
Abi Burton (Trailfinders Women, uncapped)  
May Campbell (Saracens, 1 cap)  
Mackenzie Carson (Gloucester-Hartpury, 21 caps)  
Kelsey Clifford (Saracens, 9 caps)  
Amy Cokayne (Leicester Tigers, 79 caps)  
Maddie Feaunati (Exeter Chiefs, 10 caps)  
Charlotte Fray (Leicester Tigers, uncapped)  
Rosie Galligan (Saracens, 19 caps)  
Lilli Ives Campion (Loughborough Lightning, 1 cap)  
Sadia Kabeya (Loughborough Lightning, 18 caps)  
Alex Matthews (Gloucester-Hartpury, 72 caps)  
Maud Muir (Gloucester-Hartpury, 35 caps)  
Marlie Packer (Saracens, 108 caps)  
Morwenna Talling (Sale Sharks, 18 caps)  
Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears, 69 caps)  

Backs 

Holly Aitchison (Bristol Bears, 35 caps)  
Jess Breach (Saracens, 43 caps)  
Abby Dow (Trailfinders Women, 48 caps)  
Zoe Harrison (Saracens, 54 caps)  
Tatyana Heard (Gloucester-Hartpury, 26 caps)  
Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury, 76 caps)  
Megan Jones (Leicester Tigers, 21 caps)  
Ellie Kildunne (Harlequins, 48 caps)  
Claudia MacDonald (Exeter Chiefs, 32 caps)  
Lucy Packer (Harlequins, 26 caps)  
Flo Robinson (Exeter Chiefs, uncapped)  
Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 34 caps)  
Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 116 caps)  
Jade Shekells (Gloucester-Hartpury, uncapped)  
Emma Sing (Gloucester-Hartpury, 6 caps)  
Mia Venner (Gloucester-Hartpury, 1 cap)  

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