Amber Reed, one of the greatest players in the club’s history, has announced her retirement from professional rugby after 16 seasons and hundreds of appearances during an illustrious club and international career
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.”
