Ward to join Ampthill after Bears departure

Dave Ward led Bristol Bears to the Premiership Women's Rugby play-offs in each of his four seasons in charge

Dave Ward is to become the new head coach of Ampthill after deciding to leave Premiership Women's Rugby club Bristol Bears.

Ward's departure was announced earlier this week, with the Bears saying he would be pursuing a "new opportunity".

He will succeed former Wales fly-half Paul Turner, who is leaving Ampthill at the end of the season after 14 years in charge.

Ward first joined the Championship club in 2019 as a player-coach, their first signing after reaching the second tier, and later moved into the role of forwards coach before joining Bristol in 2021.

The former Harlequins forward led them to four successive PWR semi-finals and one final during his time in charge.

The Championship will be expanded to 14 teams next season with the admission of the revamped Worcester Warriors and one promoted from National League One.

"I'm very excited to return to Ampthill in the revamped Championship," Ward said.

"The league is at the start of a new chapter with a competition that's going to be more fierce than ever, so I'm delighted to be back and can't wait to get going."

As a player, Ward, 39, had spells with Bath, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks before establishing himself with Cornish Pirates.

He joined Quins in 2012, on the back of the club's first-ever Premiership title win, and made 155 appearances in the quarters, scoring 10 tries.

Ampthill director of rugby Mark Lavery said: "Dave was a great signing as a player, bringing another level of professionalism to the playing group and is an exciting appointment now as head coach.

"We had applications from across the world of rugby, but it was important that we brought in somebody who understood our culture to help us build on what we've achieved."

Ampthill are eighth in the Championship this season, with six wins from their 15 games so far.

They are away to second-placed Coventry on Saturday.