Ward: "We want to be the ones lifting the trophy on that pitch"

Bristol Bears had never won a semi-final before the 2023/24 Premiership Women's Rugby season got underway. Now they've won two on the trot and are eyeing up a maiden title at Sandy Park next weekend, writes Megan Armitage.

Head coach Dave Ward has been a key player in turning the fate of the Bristol side this season, taking them from a top four to a top two team by reaching the final in both league and cup.

It's a feat that Ward is thrilled to bring to the city he loves, and insisted the journey has only just begun for a Bears side that will now face defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in arguably the biggest game in their history.

"There are so many people on the way that have helped us and that's the beauty of the Bears," he said.

"I'm a proud Bristolian myself and I want this for the city.

"I'm a bit like [Bears owner] Steve Lansdown in the way that I just love sport. I spent a day with Bristol City women just to see how they were doing things and I love to see them do well.

"I just wanted to be part of the process of helping bring the team to where we are now and the girls have really bought into that.

"Some of the girls probably didn't believe that we won on Sunday becuase of how far we've come in such a short time but it's all down to the work we put in.

"It's a nice story but it's not the end of our story and we want to be the ones lifting the trophy on that pitch."

The countdown is 🔛

It's just 8⃣ days until the #AllianzPWR Final at Sandy Park ⌛️

Get your tickets for the 𝗕𝗜𝗚 1⃣ now! 🎟️👇

— Bristol Bears Women 🐻 (@BristolBearsW) June 14, 2024

Bears have reached the knockout stages of the league for the past three years but were only able to get on the right side of a semi-final result for the first time this year, as they took down Saracens 29-21.

It was a replay of the Allianz Cup final played back in April, when Saracens took the spoils 31-17.

But Ward revealed that his Bristol side were not motivated by revenge, with both teams heavily impacted by international duty last time out.

"Honestly the Cup final result wasn't on our mind and Saracens would have told you the same," he said.

"It was two very different teams playing against each other this time around and obviously they're going to play similarly but it was different.

"Saracens deserved to win that final so we had to take our hats off to them and it wasn't referred to at any point in our lead up.

"There were about three of four players that played in both games in both teams so it was almost two different sides."

This time next week... ⌛️

𝗕𝘂𝘇𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 for the #AllianzPWR Final! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/KmPXy68KZz

— Bristol Bears Women 🐻 (@BristolBearsW) June 15, 2024

Bears now turn their attention to PWR final opposition Gloucester-Hartpury who have lost just one game all season on their journey to their title defence.

It's a test that Ward is revelling in for his side, even admitting to refreshing the weather app multiple times a day in order to prepare for all possible scenarios for the upcoming game.

And with there being no 'I' in team, Ward is excited for the entire Bristol Bears side to put their heart and soul into a historic final in what is set to be a tantalising clash at Sandy Park.

"We thought Saracens away was a hard task but to try and beat the reigning champions at Sandy Park will be tough," he said.

"How close we come is down to me and Tom [Luke] and the girls in how we prepare.

"It's going to be about us being the best team. If you go player for player, Abbie Ward versus Zoe Aldcroft et cetera, it's a 50/50 toss up the whole way.

"The individuals will not win the game, the best team will win the game.

"We did that brilliantly against Saracens and we need to do that again against Gloucester."

Tickets are now on sale for the Allianz PWR Final. Don't miss out on an incredible celebration of women's sport on 22 June at 3pm at Sandy Park. To buy tickets click here