'Outsanding' Balogun signs on for more with Bears

Christiana Balogun is the latest Bristol Bears player to re-commit to the West Country club after signing a new deal at Ashton Gate Stadium.

In recent weeks Scott Lawson’s side have confirmed the retention of England internationals Demelza Short and Delaney Burns.

Balogun, who moved to the West Country in 2022 from Wasps and quickly established herself as a regular feature in the Bears pack.

Her performances have resulted in a number of Red Roses call-ups. The 28-year-old is currently with John Mitchell’s national side for the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations, although Balogun is yet to make a first Test appearance.

Scott Lawson, Bristol Bears head coach, said: “Chris has been outstanding in the way she approaches her game and her commitment to improving, her attitude around the environment and her ambition to keep pushing herself have been first class, and those qualities are a huge part of why she’s earned recognition with the Red Roses squad during the Six Nations.

“She’s developed into a player who brings real impact on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s her physicality and work rate in defence or the energy and intent she brings in attack, she consistently drives the team forward. We’re delighted she’s committed her future to Bears and we’re excited to see how far she can continue to go in the game.”

This season in Premiership Women’s Rugby season Balogun has made 12 appearances for Bristol, completed 160 tackles and 10 dominant tackles.

After 16 rounds Bears are eighth in the league table. The side struggled to get going in the first half of the season and registered one win before Christmas.

Before the break for the Women’s Six Nations the side enjoyed a far better period and registered wins against Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks.

In spite of their form the club saw a number of players called into the Red Roses’ Women’s Six Nations squad, including Balogun, Short, Delaney, Sarah Bern, Millie David and Hannah Botterman, albeit the latter was later ruled out with an ankle injury.

Balogun said: “I’m really happy to be re-signing with Bears. I’ve loved my time at the club so far and I feel like this environment has helped me grow massively as both a player and a person.

“The support from the coaches, staff and players has been incredible, and being involved with the Red Roses during this current Six Nations has been such a proud moment that wouldn’t have been possible without the people around me here at Bears.

“I’m excited to keep developing, keep learning and hopefully contribute to even more success with this group.”