03 June 2020

Bristol Bears re-sign four England internationals ahead of Premier 15s next season

Premier 15s club Bristol Bears have re-signed four Red Roses ahead of next season in September.

Amber Reed, Sarah Bern, Clara Nielson and Rownita Marston have all extended their deals at the south-west side though the length of each has not been disclosed.

Head coach, Kim Oliver, said: “I’m delighted that all four girls have committed to Bristol Bears Women ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

“They’re all an absolute pleasure to coach, with all four bring in different strengths to the playing group and driving the standards in their own unique way."

Amber Reed 

Reed is the most capped England player to re-sign with Bristol (PA)

Reed has been at the Bears for almost 12 seasons and has been a regular player for England for the past few years, picking up 57 international caps.

She co-captains the side with Nielson and the centre fought her way back on the pitch after sustaining an injury early into the 2019/20 season.

She said: “I am extremely delighted to have re-signed for Bristol. The club’s philosophy fits my style and it is where I feel I can reach my potential as a player.

“There are ambitious plans ahead and it’s an exciting opportunity for me to be part of something special here in the West Country and help contribute towards my childhood club.”

Sarah Bern

Bern has extended her deal with the Bears (PA)

Bern signed for Bristol in 2018 and has also been on England head coach Simon Middleton’s radar for the past few seasons.

The tighthead has 35 international caps to her name and is looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

She said: “Bristol is a lovely club and I’m really excited to work in a more professional setting this year, which will hopefully push us on next season.

“It’ll be great to continue our work with the men’s side for my personal development goals. I love being a part of Bristol Sport and the community it brings with the other clubs involved."

Clara Nielson

Nielson captains the Bears and will remain at the side (Instagram: Clara Nielson)

Nielson is the co-captain of the side and has been playing for them for eight years.

The hooker picked up two international caps after an impressive 2018/19 season with the Bears.

She said: “I've been at Bristol for eight years now it’s a club I hold dear to my heart – I absolutely love being a Bristol Bear.

“I'm really excited at the direction the club is going in and can't wait get going again soon.”

Rownita Marston

Marston has caps for England and the Bears (Twitter: Bristol Bears Women )

Marston has had a breakthrough season at Bears in the 2019/20 edition of the Premier 15s and was voted the Player’s Player of the Year.

Earning her first England call up last Autumn, she now has two caps to her name.

She said: “I’ve re-signed with Bears because of my love for the club and most of all my teammates.

“Every player I have played alongside in a Bears shirt has helped shape me into the player I am today and I’m grateful for that. 

“I’m excited to see how much further I can develop alongside those who push me to be my best.”

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox