Alisha Joyce returns to Bristol Bears on one-match deal five months after exit

Alisha Joyce has returned to Bristol Bears on a one-match deal, just five months after leaving the club.

The 29-year-old has re-signed for the West Country club for Saturday’s JAECOO Next Gen Cup encounter with Harlequins.

Joyce left Bristol in May alongside her wife, Jasmine, with the couple citing the birth of their son, Ralphie, and their commute from Wales as reasons for their departure.

The pair are set to play in the 2026/27 Celtic Challenge, which begins in December, having both represented Brython Thunder last season.

Joyce said in May: “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.”

In September, Joyce played for Wales off the bench in their 50-19 win against South Africa but was not selected by Sean Lynn for the team’s two-match tour of Japan.

Joyce has been named to start at lock forward in Bristol’s clash with Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop. She will partner England and Ireland age-grade international Jorja Battishill.

England hooker Lark Atkin-Davies, a winner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, will also return to action for the first time since giving birth to her daughter, Olive, 16 weeks ago.

Scott Lawson’s Bears have won one of their two Next Gen Cup fixtures so far this season. They opened their campaign with a 28-24 defeat to Trailfinders Women before recording a 47-19 victory over Gloucester Hartpury a fortnight ago.