Bears Women Head Coach Dave Ward to depart the club

Bristol Bears Women Head Coach, Dave Ward, will depart the club this summer to pursue a new opportunity.

Ward joined the Bears in 2021, leading Bears to four successive PWR semi-finals and one final during his tenure. During his time at the club, Ward oversaw a number of players progressing to international honours.

Gavin Marshall, Bristol Sport Group CEO and Bears Women Director, said: “We thank Dave for his significant contribution to Bristol Bears Women during his four seasons in charge.

“He has overseen a year-on-year improvement of the club’s women’s programme, achieving four top four finishes, becoming the first side to win an away semi-final in the PWR and coming close to winning a maiden PWR title.

“Dave has improved our squad and programme, laying the foundations for the next chapter of this team. He leaves with our gratitude and thanks for his contribution to the Bears – we wish him luck in his next chapter.”

Ward said: “I would like to thank Bristol Bears for the opportunity to coach the Women’s programme for the last four years – an opportunity that I’ve absolutely loved and one that I will hold very close for many years to come.

“The staff I have worked with, and in particular the support we have had from Steve, Maggie and Jon Lansdown, has made the club one of the leading programmes in the country.

“I would also like to thank Pat Lam and the coaching team, who have supported the programme from day one of me arriving, and none more so than assistant coach Tom Luke, who has been with me every step of the way in what has been an incredible journey.

“I’ve always known the people of Bristol are special, but the support that the Women have had over the years that I have been here has been much more than I could have ever hoped for. 

“Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank the players. Their dedication, skill and commitment on a week-to-week basis, to not only keep improving as a rugby player, but to inspire the next generation has left a massive imprint on me and the city as well.

“I look forward to seeing the fans when I’m back in the stands as a supporter (not shouting) of this great club.”