Wales captain Lewis ends eight-year Gloucester Hartpury stint to join Bristol Bears

Bethan Lewis has left Gloucester Hartpury to join Bristol Bears ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season, ending an eight-year association with the three-time PWR champions after 96 appearances. The 65-cap Wales flanker captained Gloucester Hartpury for the majority of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations before confirming her move across the West Country divide.

Lewis arrives at Bristol as a near direct replacement for Alisha Butchers, who has returned to Wales for her domestic rugby. Head coach Scott Lawson moved quickly to secure a player he views as central to the club’s ambitions.

“I’m super excited to be joining Bristol Bears and starting a new chapter in my career,” Lewis said. “The club has a clear vision for where it wants to go and after speaking with Scott and the coaching team, it is a journey that I’m keen to be a part of.”

Lawson was equally enthusiastic about the acquisition. “Bethan is a consistent performer at both club and international level and her experience, leadership and competitiveness will be hugely valuable to our squad,” he said. “She has a real winning mentality and understands what it takes to perform at the highest level week in, week out. She’ll bring genuine competition across the back row, but just as importantly she’ll add a wealth of experience to what is a young, ambitious and exciting squad.”

Gloucester Hartpury also confirmed the departures of hooker Kelsey Jones and back-row forward Lizzie Goulden, both long-serving figures at Kingsholm. Jones spent seven seasons with the club and was part of all three title-winning campaigns.

“Gloucester Hartpury has been such an important part of my rugby journey and a true home for the last seven years,” Jones said. “I’ve experienced some of my highest highs and lowest lows here, and there’s no other group I would have wanted by my side through it all. Together, we’ve shared incredible moments, winning titles, creating lifelong memories, and building friendships that will last forever.”

The trio of exits marks a significant reshaping of the Gloucester Hartpury squad as the club looks to rebuild following the end of their dominant run at the top of English women’s club rugby.