Sarah Bern on World Cup Win, Returning to Bristol Bears, and Redefining Beauty

Fresh from an unforgettable summer that saw her lift the World Cup with the Red Roses, Sarah Bern, the 28-year-old tighthead prop for Bristol Bears and England, reflects on celebrations, her return to club action, and her powerful message of body positivity.

The World Cup trophy is the highest accolade in women’s rugby, and for Bern and her fellow Red Roses, the moment at Allianz Stadium this September still feels surreal.

“It’s been pretty crazy,” she laughs. “I actually made myself ill because I celebrated a bit too much! But I can’t really put into words how amazing it’s been. I want to do it all again.”

After months of hard work and sacrifice, the celebrations were well deserved.

“All the hard work really paid off. We got to celebrate with everyone we hadn’t been able to see during the tournament, which was really special. The support we’ve had has been phenomenal.”

When the final whistle blew, the realisation of becoming a World Cup Champion took a while to sink in.

“When the whistle went, I didn’t really know what I was feeling. I think I was in shock! I remember looking at Zoe Stratford (Aldcroft) bawling her eyes out and thinking, ‘We’ve actually done it.’

“It made it even more special that it was in front of a sell-out Allianz Stadium. It was unbelievable and I still don’t think I’ve fully processed it.”

The World Cup broke records for attendance and engagement - a milestone Bern hopes will spark lasting change in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season ahead.

“The sellout crowds were amazing, even for non–Red Roses games. Hopefully, people who discovered rugby for the first time will keep coming back to watch their favourite players,” she says.

With a strong bank of world-class international players across the league, Bern believes domestic rugby offers fans the chance to stay connected with the sport.

“You can be watching Ellie Kildunne one day and Holly Aitchison another, which means you get to see so many of the best players every week. Hopefully more people will come along, get excited, and see what women’s rugby is all about.”

Off the pitch, Bern continues to be a strong advocate for body confidence and representation in sport.

“In my mind, body positivity isn’t about saying, ‘I love my body every day,’” she explains. “It’s about saying, this is me. I can either beat myself up for not looking a certain way, or I can realise I can do amazing things! My body is what allows me to do that.”

“If I were 70 kilos with a six-pack, I’d be a terrible tighthead prop. I wouldn’t be playing for England, and I wouldn’t be a World Cup winner! It’s about celebrating what our bodies can do, not just how they look.”

Her message is simple but powerful: there’s no one way to be strong, healthy, or beautiful.

“I want people to define those things for themselves. I don’t want them to let someone else tell them what strength or beauty should look like.”

Now back with Bristol Bears for the 2025-26 PWR season, Bern is eager to channel her winning ways with England into club success. While continuing to inspire the next generation of fans and players who cheered her on this summer.

“The energy from the World Cup is still there,” she says. “Hopefully we can bring that excitement into the PWR season and keep growing the game together.”

Bristol Bears will host Saracens in their first home game in Round 3 of the PWR on Sunday 9th November, find tickets here.