Lia Green returns to Bristol Bears after four seasons with Loughborough Lightning

Bristol Bears have signed fly-half Lia Green ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, with the 22-year-old returning to the club where she first developed as a player.

Green spent four seasons with Loughborough Lightning after coming through Bristol’s Centre of Excellence and attending Millfield School. During her time in the East Midlands, she made 30 appearances and scored 109 points, establishing herself as a capable operator at both fly-half and full-back.

“Coming back to Bristol is really special for me,” Green said. “The club played an important role in my development through the Centre of Excellence, so to have the opportunity to return and represent Bears at senior level is something I’m incredibly excited about. I’ve learned a lot over the last few seasons and feel like I’ve grown both as a player and a person.”

The signing addresses a genuine positional gap at Shaftesbury Park. Bristol were left without a specialist fly-half following the mid-season departure of Ruahei Demant last campaign, with Millie Hyett and Keira Bevan covering the role across the final two matches of the regular season. Green, who has represented England at Under-20 level, is expected to take on the playmaker jersey as the club’s primary option at ten.

Head coach Scott Lawson welcomed the addition. “Lia is a talented young player with a really exciting skillset. She has developed well over the last few seasons at Loughborough Lightning and has already gained valuable experience in the PWR. Her ability to control a game, kick effectively and play across multiple positions in the backline gives us excellent depth and flexibility.”

Green is one of several new arrivals at Bristol ahead of next season. The club have also confirmed the return of Lucy Burgess from Harlequins and the recruitment of Orla Proctor, Pip Hendy, Bethan Lewis, and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Ellie Kildunne.