Seven playes to depart Bristol Bears ahead of the new PWR season

Bristol Bears Women can announce that seven players will depart the club following the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.

The legendary Claire Molloy leaves the Bears after two stints in the West Country and announces her retirement from rugby. The 36-year-old back row made more than 70 appearances for Ireland, scoring ten tries.

Bristolian fly-half Lucie Skuse is another to depart after five seasons with her hometown club. Skuse has been a key cog in the Bears machine during her time here but moves on to pastures new in 2024/25.

Elsewhere, Wales international prop Gwenllian Pyrs re-joins Sale Sharks after two seasons with the Bears, while Grace White joins fellow Allianz PWR side Trailfinders Women.

GB sevens flyer Grace Crompton also leaves the club after delivering some blockbuster moments in Bears colours, while Welsh scrum half Megan Davies and fellow number Maisie Darby-Jones also depart.

Head Coach, Dave Ward, said: “When Claire Molloy wanted to return to finish her PWR career at Bristol, it was something that we were only too happy to accept. She is one of the few players who can genuinely play across the field she has been a massive part of where the women’s game has been to where it is to today.

“Her professionalism and attitude are a testament to her character, along with the fact that she is also a fully qualified and skilled doctor. This is one of the things that sets Molloy apart and the game will be a tiny bit worse off for her not being part of it. She will forever be welcome at Bristol, and we wish her every success in whatever she moves onto next.”

“Lucie Skuse has come through the Centre of Excellence pathway and is a Bristolian through and through. Her play over the last few years has helped steer the team to semi-finals in both the cup and the league and she will be sorely missed by all.

“She is a player who loves her rugby and no doubt will be gracing the sidelines at Bears games over the next few years and will always be a part of this club.

“Finally, a huge thank you to all the players who have contributed to what this squad has achieved in the last year and before that.

“We wish all of the players the best of luck in whatever their next steps might be, and they know that they will always be greeted with open arms whenever they are back in Bristol.”

Departing players: Maisie Darby-Jones Grace Crompton Claire Molloy Lucie Skuse Megan Davies Grace White Gwenllian Pyrs