Star names return for Saracens and Bristol semi-final clash

Saracens’ game against Bristol Bears will be a thrilling affair on Saturday, not just because they are competing in a JAECOO PWR Next Gen Cup semi-final but because both sides are welcoming back stars.

Bristol Bears will see the return of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 winner Abbie Ward, who will play for the first time since welcoming her second daughter Lila in July.

The second row will start and her return comes just two weeks after teammate Lark Atkin-Davis, who will also start in the semi-final, came back following the birth of her daughter Olive.

For Saracens, scrum-half Ella Wrywas will start from the bench in the crunch match after a long lay-off with injury. The 27-year-old missed the entirety of last season.

She said: “I am beyond grateful to finally be back on the pitch. There were definitely times I didn’t know when, or if, the day would come, so it means a huge amount to be back out there with the girls.

“I’ve had the most incredible support around me throughout the last year, and watching the girls smash it in the cup has given me plenty of extra motivation to get back out there.”

Liz Crake also starts for Sarries in the front row after returning from her stint with the Red Roses during WXV Global Series 2026.

Saracens, who are the cup’s defending champions, will be the favourites to secure their place in the final with an unbeaten run so far in the competition. Bristol, meanwhile, lost to Trailfinders Women in the opening round of pool fixtures but they did beat Gloucester Hartpury and Harlequins to round out their results.

The knockout match will kick-off at 6pm GMT on Saturday 31 September and the winner will take on whoever is victorious between Trailfinders and Sale Sharks in the other semi-final. That game begins at midday on Saturday.

The final will take place on Saturday 7 November and the match played at the venue of whichever club has the highest seeding.