Bristol Bears Women extend coaching duo’s contracts

Bristol Bears Women have solidified their leadership team by extending the contracts of Head Coach Dave Ward and Assistant Coach Tom Luke until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The pair, who took the reins in 2021, have delivered remarkable progress, including three consecutive top-four finishes and a historic appearance in the PWR Final during the 2023/24 season.

Under Ward and Luke’s guidance, the Bears achieved several milestones, including becoming the first team to win an away Play-Off semi-final in the competition. Their success has driven the club’s reputation as a dominant force in women’s rugby.

Bristol Sport Group CEO Gavin Marshall praised the extensions, saying, “We’re really pleased that both Dave and Tom have signed extensions to their contracts as we look to take our Women’s programme to the next level and win our maiden silverware as a club.

"Under their leadership, we can become PWR champions and inspire the next generation of young girls in the city.”

Ward expressed his excitement about the extension, stating, “The ambition of the club only drives me on to continue to inspire the next generation. The brand of rugby and skill level we are pushing at Bears is something I’m extremely proud of.”

Luke echoed similar sentiments, adding, “It’s been an amazing three and a half seasons so far, with so much untapped potential left in this group. Extending my time here was an absolute no-brainer.”