Natalia John joins Bristol Bears Women

The 24-year-old lock is the Bears’ fourth summer addition as Kim Oliver bolsters her options in the second row.

John brings international experience to the pack having earnt 15 caps for Wales.

The second row is strong in the contact area on both sides of the ball as well as being a slick operator in the line-out.

Head Coach Kim Oliver said: “Natalia is an exciting talent to add to our strong pack. She has all the attributes needed to make an impact in the squad and the Premier 15s competition.

“She’s an attritional second row, who dominates the contact area and adds a huge deal of firepower to the engine room, as well as being great in the air at set-piece.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Natalia to help her reach her potential.”

“The Premier 15s competition is one of the most competitive leagues in the world I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” said John.

“I’m always looking to push myself to be the best rugby player I can be and with the high-level coaching and facilities provided at Bristol Bears I feel I can take my performance on the pitch to the next level.

“I’ve heard great things about the club culture that has been created in Bristol and I can’t wait to get started.”