Bristol name ex-Scotland hooker Lawson as head coach

Scott Lawson made 47 appearances for Scotland during his playing career

Bristol Bears Women have appointed Scott Lawson as their new head coach.

The 43-year-old joins the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) side from the Scottish Rugby Union where he has been a specialist skills coach for their women's squad, men's under-20s team and Glasgow Warriors' academy outfit.

Lawson's 16-year playing career saw him win 47 international caps for Scotland and make 250 appearances for clubs including Glasgow, Sale, Gloucester, London Irish and Newcastle, where he retired in 2018.

The hooker, who has also worked as director of rugby at the University of St Andrews, will make the move to Bristol following the U20 World Championship in Italy, which is being held from 29 June to 19 July.

The Scot comes in following the departure of Dave Ward in April, after four years as head coach.

The Bears finished fourth last season to reach their fourth successive PWR semi-final, but were beaten by Gloucester-Hartpury in what proved to be Ward's final match.

He also took the team to their first final in 2024, where they were also beaten by Gloucester-Hartpury.

Lawson said he planned to work hard and be relentless to aim to bring success to the club.

"From the moment I spoke with Daisie Mayes [general manager] and Pat Lam [director of rugby] it was clear that the vision for the women's programme and the aligned approach across the whole club was something I really wanted to be a part of," Lawson said.

"I've loved my time with Scottish Rugby and will always be grateful for the experiences and relationships I've built there, which I'll continue to value moving forward.

"But this was an exciting opportunity I simply couldn't resist."

The club have not disclosed the length of Lawson's contract.

"His vast coaching and playing experience across a range of different environments and levels, together with his passion for the role, understanding of the club vision and focus on player development and winning impressed us during the interview process," Lam said.