Reed and Nielson named as co-captains

The pair have plenty of experience in a Bristol jersey as Amber Reed enters her eleventh season, while Clara Nielson is heading into her eighth. 

Over the summer Reed also earned her fiftieth cap for the Red Roses with Nielson also making the step up to international stage and making her debut against the Barbarians at Twickenham, before playing in the summer series against the USA.

Nielson has demonstrated her leadership capabilities in season gone by, none more so than last year when she stepped up to captain the side in Reed’s absence through injury.

Kim Oliver said: “It’s an honour to name Amber and Clara as co-captains ahead of the new season. They’re two out and out leaders on the pitch and they both embody what being a part of Bristol Bears is all about.

“Amber is a fantastic player and leader, who everyone looks up to on the pitch and Clara really stepped up last season in Amber’s absence and her leadership qualities shone through, so it is great to reward her with the co-captaincy this season.

Amber Reed said: “I’m excited to lead the team out alongside Clara this season. It’s my 11th season at Bristol, my home club and one I could play without. We’ve had a fantastic pre-season; the team have dug in and physically we are in a great place.

“I feel it’s the best prepared we have ever been. With an exciting new look staff team we are setting our sights on a top four finish.”

Clara Nelson said: “It’s an honour to named as co-cpatain alongside Amber for the year ahead. We’ve had a great pre-season as a group and really come together over what has been a very long summer.

“We’re all looking to running out at Shaftesbury Park on Saturday afternoon.”

Bristol Bears Women take on Saracens Women on Saturday, September 21st (12pm) at Shaftesbury Park with tickets available on the gate priced at £5 for Adults, £3 for Under-18s and £1 for Under-12s.