Tier 2 newcomers front queue for ex-Bristol boss Dave Ward

Worcester Warriors have emerged as the favourites to land Dave Ward, who has announced he is standing down as head coach of Premiership Women’s Rugby outfit Bristol Bears.

The former England Saxons hooker has led the side to four successive PWR semi-finals and one final during his time in charge after moving to the club with his wife, Abbie Ward, four years ago.

But he revealed at the start of the week that he is leaving the club to take up another opportunity, which RugbyPass understands from well-placed sources in the women’s game will be at the reformed Warriors.

“I would like to thank Bristol Bears for the opportunity to coach the Women’s programme for the last four years – an opportunity that I’ve absolutely loved and one that I will hold very close for many years to come.

“I would also like to thank Pat Lam and the coaching team, who have supported the programme from day one of me arriving, and none more so than assistant coach Tom Luke, who has been with me every step of the way.

“I’ve always known the people of Bristol are special, but the support that the Women have had over the years that I have been here has been much more than I could have ever hoped for,” said the former Harlequins hooker.

It was announced last week that the Warriors will be playing in an expanded Championship next season, and the race is on to get a coaching team and squad in place to make them competitive.

Matt Everard, who worked as Leicester Tigers’ defence coach until January, is set to become head coach despite it being rumoured that former Jersey Reds boss Harvey Biljon was their first choice.

Ward, who made over 155 appearances for Quins, is set to link up with Everard, while former Warriors and Wales centre Ashley Beck, who has worked as attack coach for the Sixways outfit’s women’s side, is also on the shopping list.