England's Ward and Bern to stay with Bristol Bears

Lock Abbie Ward and prop Sarah Bern both play together at England and Bristol Bears

England lock Abbie Ward and prop Sarah Bern have signed new contracts to stay with Premiership Women's Rugby side Bristol Bears.

Co-captain Ward has agreed a new two-year deal with the club she joined from Harlequins in 2021.

The 31-year-old has 69 caps for England and, along with team-mate Bern, is in the Red Roses' side for the Six Nations, which starts this weekend.

Ward played in 11 games this season as the Bears reached the league semi-finals.

The forward returned to rugby in April 2024 after having her daughter, becoming the first contracted England woman to have a baby since the Red Roses went professional in 2019.

Ward said she was looking forward to the team "pushing ourselves further".

"We have created something special at Bristol Bears, and I'm proud to be part of it," she said.

Bern, 27, has been with the Bears since 2018 and head coach Dave Ward said she was playing the "best rugby of her career".

"Her line breaks and running ability has been there for all to see but to be part of a scrum that achieved a league-record 41 penalties is testament to her set-piece and her endeavour to become the complete player," he said.

The tighthead prop has 66 international caps and started 13 league games this season.

Bristol have not disclosed the length of Bern's new deal.

"I believe it's the best place for me right now and I believe the Bears are growing into something special," Bern said.