Alisha and Jasmine Joyce among lengthy Bristol Bears departures list

Alisha and Jasmine Joyce are two of 11 players leaving Bristol Bears at the conclusion of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The pair, who joined the club in 2020 and helped Bears to two PWR semi-finals. Having welcomed their son, Ralphie, earlier this season the Wales internationals will return across the Prince of Wales Bridge full-time to stay closer to their families.

Players offered centralised contracts by the Welsh Rugby Union and Scottish Rugby Union will return to their home countries ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Senior Wales international Jenna de Vera and Under-20 cap Savannah Picton-Powell will also return home. Stella Orrin, who was called into Wales’ Guinness Women’s Six Nations squad, will also leave Bristol.

Scotland trio Emma Orr, Elliann Clarke and Rhea Clarke habe all taken up contracts with the SRU. Meg Varley, who has been involved in numerous Scotland camps, will retire from rugby aged 26 after a string of injuries.

Canada pair Pamphinette Buisa and Chloe Daniels, who  have represented their country in XVs and sevens this season, will also leave the West Country after one season.

Scott Lawson, Bristol Bears head coach, said: “This time of year is always difficult because we’re saying goodbye to players who have made a huge contribution to the club and the environment during their time at Bears.

“The changing landscape within the women’s game, particularly the renewed approach and investment from both the Welsh Rugby Union and Scottish Rugby Union, has meant a number of international players have understandably had to return home to take up central contracts.

“We completely respect those decisions and we’re proud that Bristol Bears Women has played a role in helping so many players develop and progress in their international careers.

“Every departing player has represented this club with professionalism, commitment and passion, and we’d like to thank them all for everything they’ve contributed on and off the field. They will always be part of the Bears family and we wish them all the very best for the future.”