Statement: Bristol Bears boss announces shock departure for 'fresh opportunity'

Tuesday, 08 April 2025 at 07:51

byRugby Rucker

It’s the end of an era in the West Country, as Bristol Bears head coach Dave Ward has confirmed his departure from the club after four rollercoaster seasons at the helm of their Premiership Women’s Rugby side.

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A semi-final specialist
Since stepping into the role, the former Harlequins forward has been a model of consistency, guiding the Bears to four straight PWR semi-final appearances and one memorable final. That showpiece clash came in 2023-24 at Sandy Park, where Bristol fell short against local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury in a high-octane 36-24 battle.

His final game? Another semi-final heartbreak – again at the hands of the Cherry and Whites, who went on to lift their third straight PWR crown.

“An opportunity I’ve absolutely loved”
Speaking via the club website, Ward was full of gratitude as he reflected on his time in charge:

“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.”

The Bears confirmed his exit in a statement, revealing Ward is moving on to “pursue a new opportunity” – though details remain under wraps for now.

From the Pirates to the Premiership
Ward’s rugby journey has been anything but ordinary. The 39-year-old began his senior career with stints at Bath, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks before finding his feet with Cornish Pirates.

He became a fan favourite at Harlequins after joining in 2012, fresh off the club’s maiden Premiership title win. Across 155 appearances in the famous quarters, Ward bagged 10 tries and established himself as a key figure both on and off the pitch.

Leaving his mark on Bristol
Ward saved his most heartfelt words for the players and fans who have stood by the team through thick and thin.

“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.”

“Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to thank the players. Their dedication, skill and commitment... to inspire the next generation has left a massive imprint on me and the city as well.”

Alun Wyn Jones and Owen Farrell included on list of worst British & Irish Lions

The British & Irish Lions is the pinnacle of a player’s career – a chance to prove yourself against the very best. But not everyone rises to the occasion.

While some have cemented their legacies in red jerseys, others have left fans wondering how they even made the squad.

From unfortunate injuries to underwhelming performances, we take a look at some of the worst Lions players across different tours, with big names like Owen Farrell and Alun Wyn Jones making the cut.

2021 tour: Owen Farrell – The forgotten playmaker

Owen Farrell, one of the most recognisable and influential players in modern rugby, endured a tour to forget in South Africa. Despite his vast experience and reputation as a leader, Farrell was named by SA Rugby Mag as the worst-performing Lion on the tour.

Initially expected to play a key role, he started three games and featured off the bench in the first two Tests.

However, as the series decider loomed, head coach Warren Gatland made a brutal call – dropping Farrell from the matchday 23 entirely. It was a stark fall from grace for a player who was once considered indispensable.

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2 x Tickets to watch the 3rd Test in Sydney
4 x Night’s accommodation in Melbourne with bed & breakfast (24-27 July)
7 x Night’s accommodation in Sydney with bed & breakfast (28 July-3 Aug)
2 x Flight tickets Melbourne to Sydney including airport hotel group transfers
2 x Tickets to watch a private function with Lions legends
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2017 tour: Stuart Hogg – A case of bad luck

Stuart Hogg was primed to be the Lions' Test full-back in 2017, but fate had other plans. The Scottish star suffered a freak injury in the third game of the tour against the Crusaders, colliding with Conor Murray’s elbow and fracturing his eye socket.

While injuries are unfortunate, Hogg’s Lions career as a whole was disappointing. He failed to make a significant impact on the 2013 or 2021 tours either, making him one of the most underwhelming repeat selections in Lions history.

2013 tour: Tom Court – The holiday call-up

If there was ever a Lions selection that left fans scratching their heads, it was Tom Court in 2013. The Ireland prop wasn’t even in the original squad – he was on holiday with his family when he got the call-up.

Thrown into the squad late, Court was never going to be a game-changer. He did manage to hold his own in the scrum against the Melbourne Rebels, but his inclusion remains one of the strangest in Lions history.

2009 tour: Alun Wyn Jones – A rare disaster for the legend

Alun Wyn Jones is a Lions legend – but his 2009 tour was anything but legendary. A young second-row at the time, he struggled against the formidable Springbok pack, leading Bleacher Report to rate his performances a dismal 4/10.

Jones was criticised for losing the ball in contact, looking out of his depth, and failing to impose himself physically. At times, he even looked "terrified" according to some reports. It was a rocky start to a Lions career that would later see him become one of the most respected captains in history.

2005 tour: Andy Titterrell – The most questionable selection?

The 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster, and some of the squad selections did little to help. Among the most baffling was Sale Sharks hooker Andy Titterrell, who had just two England caps to his name.

Sir Clive Woodward’s decision to take a bloated 44-man squad led to several left-field inclusions, but Titterrell stood out as particularly bizarre. Lacking the physicality and technical ability required at this level, he made little impact and was quickly forgotten.