Alisha and Jasmine Joyce among 11 players departing Bristol Bears Women after PWR season

Wales internationals Alisha and Jasmine Joyce will leave Bristol Bears at the conclusion of the current Premiership Women’s Rugby season, the club has confirmed, as part of a group of 11 departing players. The pair, who joined Bristol in 2020 and helped the club reach two PWR semi-finals, will return to Wales full-time following the birth of their son, Ralphie, earlier this season.

The Joyce sisters are among several international players leaving the West Country as a result of the growing investment in centralised contracts from home unions. Scotland trio Emma Orr, Elliann Clarke and Rhea Clarke have all accepted contracts with the Scottish Rugby Union, while Canada internationals Pamphinette Buisa and Chloe Daniels — who represented their country in both XVs and sevens this season — will also depart after one season at the club.

Meg Varley, who has been involved in multiple Scotland camps, will retire from rugby at the age of 26 following a series of injuries.

Bristol Bears head coach Scott Lawson acknowledged the difficulty of the departures while expressing pride in the club’s role in the players’ development. “This time of year is always difficult because we’re saying goodbye to players who have made a huge contribution to the club and the environment during their time at Bears,” he said.

“The changing landscape within the women’s game, particularly the renewed approach and investment from both the Welsh Rugby Union and Scottish Rugby Union, has meant a number of international players have understandably had to return home to take up central contracts. We completely respect those decisions and we’re proud that Bristol Bears Women has played a role in helping so many players develop and progress in their international careers.”

Lawson added: “Every departing player has represented this club with professionalism, commitment and passion, and we’d like to thank them all for everything they’ve contributed on and off the field. They will always be part of the Bears family and we wish them all the very best for the future.”