Bristol Bears Women have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign with the signing of Wales international Bethan Lewis from Gloucester-Hartpury.
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The experienced back row arrives at Ashton Gate with 65 international caps and a wealth of leadership experience, having captained Wales during the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations.
Lewis is capable of playing across the back row and enjoyed significant success during her time at Gloucester-Hartpury, where she made 96 appearances and helped the club secure three consecutive Premiership Women’s Rugby titles.
Bristol Bears Women head coach Scott Lawson believes Lewis will bring valuable experience and leadership qualities to the squad.
“Bethan is a consistent performer at both club and international level and her experience, leadership and competitiveness will be hugely valuable to our squad.
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“To captain your country and earn more than 60 international caps speaks volumes about the quality of person and player she is.
“She has a real winning mentality and understands what it takes to perform at the highest level week in, week out. Those qualities are incredibly important for the environment we’re building here.
“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.
“Having players who can help drive standards and support the development of younger members of the group is vital, and Bethan will be a huge asset in that regard.
“We’re excited to welcome her to Bears and look forward to seeing the impact she’ll have both on and off the field.”
Lewis said she was looking forward to beginning the next stage of her career in Bristol.
“I’m super excited to be joining Bristol Bears and starting a new chapter in my career.
“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. I look forward to a new challenge and to be able to grow both on and off the field.
“There is a talented group of players here and I’m hoping to bring my experience as well as learn from the great players around me and help the team compete at the highest level.”
