Lewis crosses West Country divide as three more players exit Gloucester Hartpury

Wales flanker Bethan Lewis has traded Gloucester Hartpury for Bristol Bears ahead of the 2026/27 Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

The 65-cap international, who captained Sean Lynn’s team for the majority of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, made 96 appearances across eight years for the three-time PWR champions.

Lewis joins Bristol as an almost like-for-like replacement for Alisha Butchers, who has returned to Wales to play her domestic rugby, and will bring her wealth of experience to Scott Lawson’s side next season.

Lewis said: “I’m super excited to be joining Bristol Bears and starting a new chapter in my career.

“The club has a clear vision for where it wants to go and after speaking with Scott and the coaching team, it is a journey that I’m keen to be a part of. I look forward to a new challenge and to be able to grow both on and off the field.

“There is a talented group of players here and I’m hoping to bring my experience as well as learn from the great players around me and help the team compete at the highest level.”

Scott Lawson, Bristol Bears head coach, said: “Bethan is a consistent performer at both club and international level and her experience, leadership and competitiveness will be hugely valuable to our squad. To captain your country and earn more than 60 international caps speaks volumes about the quality of person and player she is.

“She has a real winning mentality and understands what it takes to perform at the highest level week in, week out. Those qualities are incredibly important for the environment we’re building here.

“She’ll bring genuine competition across the back row, but just as importantly she’ll add a wealth of experience to what is a young, ambitious and exciting squad. Having players who can help drive standards and support the development of younger members of the group is vital, and Bethan will be a huge asset in that regard.

“We’re excited to welcome her to Bears and look forward to seeing the impact she’ll have both on and off the field.”

Gloucester Hartpury have also announced the exits of long-term players Kelsey Jones and Lizzie Goulden. Both have been key performers for the Kingsholm Stadium side as they topped English women’s club rugby three times.

Hooker, Jones, spent seven seasons with the Circus: “Gloucester Hartpury has been such an important part of my rugby journey and a true Holm for the last seven years. I’ve experienced some of my highest highs and lowest lows here, and there’s no other group I would have wanted by my side through it all.

“Together, we’ve shared incredible moments, winning titles, creating lifelong memories, and building friendships that will last forever. It has been a privilege to run out and share a pitch with so many amazing people over the years.

“To everyone who has been part of my time at the Club, players, staff, family and fans, thank you for helping me grow, not only as a player but, more importantly, as a person.

“There’s nothing quite like our supporters and Shed Heads. Gloucester Hartpury wouldn’t be the Holm it is without you. I’ll always be grateful for the noise, passion and support you brought every week, and there’s nothing quite like hearing the chant of ‘Eeyore’ around the stadium. The next time I return to Kingsholm, it may be very different, but I can’t wait to hear the Shed roar again and show my appreciation from the other side.

“While this marks the end of an era, I will always be proud to have worn the Cherry & White shirt and played a small part in the legacy we’ve built for the generations of girls to come.

“Now it’s time for a new challenge, in a new environment and a different shirt. I hope I’ve played my part and leave the Cherry & White number two jersey in a place where it can continue to grow and thrive.”

Versatile back, Goulden, works as a solicitor on top of her rugby commitments, and previously represented Wasps and Loughborough Lightning before making her West Country move.

Goulden said: “My time at Gloucester Hartpury has been incredibly rewarding and I feel very fortunate to have been part of such a special group. It’s been a privilege to work alongside so many talented and incredible people.

“Together, we’ve achieved some remarkable moments and created friendships that will last long beyond rugby. I’d like to thank everyone connected with the club for making my time here so memorable.

“Gloucester Hartpury is a very special place, and I will cherish my time there forever.”