Alisha and Jasmine Joyce's club future confirmed after Bristol exits

The Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed that Alisha and Jasmine Joyce will play their club rugby in the Celtic Challenge next season.

A fortnight ago Premiership Women’s Rugby club Bristol Bears announced that the six-year veterans of the club were among 11 departures from the West Country this summer.

Both possess nearly 60 caps for Wales and welcomed their son, Ralphie, last Autumn. Alisha returned to club rugby for Brython Thunder in the Celtic Challenge 123 days after she gave birth and was a replacement for Wales against England in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations just 35 days later.

Up to now the pair had commuted to Bristol from West Wales, but now want to spent more time at home with their son, while still competing for international recognition.

Alisha Joyce said: “This has not been an easy decision but one we have made for family reasons with the arrival of Ralphie.

“The travel to and from Bristol to train and play is not ideal when you have a young family and we know we need the support network provided by our families and friends to bring up Ralphie.

“Our lives have changed out of recognition since his arrival, but we are still committed to our careers as rugby professionals. We know this will provide us with certainty and support to do that.

“We are grateful to Bristol, which has been like a second home to both of us, for their understanding and we leave with some fantastic memories.”

Jasmine Joyce added: “This was a big decision and one we haven’t taken lightly but it’s the right one for us as a family.

“Our son Ralphie is at the centre of our decision-making now and we want the best for him while maintaining our rugby careers as professional athletes.

“We are both still very ambitious and feel we have things to prove at club and Test level with Wales.

“Both of us have always wanted to play a high standard of club rugby in Wales but we have never had that opportunity until now.”

Wales head coach Sean Lynn has been a staunch supporter of his players coming back home to play their domestic rugby in the Celtic Challenge. Earlier in the season Gwen Crabb’s returned to the country, with the Swansea-born forward’s leadership skills highlighted.

In Jasmine Joyce, young players will get to learn from a three-time Olympian and 57-cap wing, while Alisha Joyce has won 56. caps and scored seven tries for her country.

Sean Lynn, Wales Head coach, said: “We have made no secret of our ambition to see our Welsh internationals return home and play rugby in Wales.

“The fact that Alisha and Jaz have taken this decision after playing in the Celtic Challenge shows they have faith that we can provide them with the platform to further their club and Test careers.

“To have their experience of the PWR and Test rugby rub off on the younger players emerging through our pathway is going to be a real benefit to everyone.”