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Reneeqa Bonner is giving back to the community that moulded her
Reneeqa Bonner made her home at Bristol Bears and is now giving back to the community that helped mould her.
The 21-year-old was named as the first women's Bristol Bears Foundation Ambassador earlier this season, working closely with the club to provide opportunities for young girls in and around the city to find a safe space through rugby.
Born and raised in Bristol, the winger used to sneak out of the house to play rugby at Clevedon RFC when she was a teenager before fully committing to the sport at college.
She signed for her home club for the 2022 Premiership Women's Rugby season, and in her new ambassador role, Bonner is already spreading the Bristol Bears family feel.
"I genuinely couldn't picture myself anywhere else, I have such an attachment to Bristol Bears," she said.
"I love meeting and connecting with the younger girls and trying to build their confidence.
"I was not the most confident girl growing up and I wish that I had someone come and speak to me like the foundation does.
"It's about getting rugby out there to under privileged children who may not have good family lives.
"You build so many different connections and learn how to work with people on the rugby pitch and these are skills that every child needs."
Bonner spent last season managing her rugby in both the 15s and 7s format, scoring 13 tries in her first season for the GB Sevens.
However, juggling both sides meant that the winger struggled to find consistency on the pitch, citing the decision to focus purely on her role at Bristol the key to helping find her footing in the sport once again.
"I think I have struggled a bit this season in terms of not having the ball as much," she said.
"I have maybe not been enjoying the rugby side as much but that has been picking up recently and I have found the groove of things.
"I am definitely loving it a lot more. When my team and my coach have confidence in me then I am able to project that into how I play."
Bonner is now set to showcase her rugby resurgence at the Big Game 17 against Harlequins at Allianz Stadium this Saturday, with kick off set for 3.05pm.
Named in Scott Lawson's squad for what is set to be a PWR record attendance, it will mark Bonner's first time playing on the hallowed ground of Twickenham and it is one she is relishing.
"I'm so excited, it is such a good occasion and there is going to be a massive crowd as well," she said.
"The first time I ever went [to Allianz Stadium] was the Rugby World Cup final this year. It is such a massive stadium and I am so excited to see the changing rooms.
"I'm treating it as any other game though. I won't let the nerves bother me and can direct the energy in a different way."
Bristol have just one win from six games this PWR season, but will come face-to-face with Harlequins this weekend hoping to end their 2025 on a high.
"I'm not too sure what to expect, we beat them in the PWR Cup this year," she said.
"There has been a real shift this year from our attack to our defence and so it maybe looks like our attack isn't as polished and we're not finishing as many opportunities.
"But with one more win under our belt before Christmas, then hopefully it can motivate us to keep rolling in the New Year."
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