SCOTT LAWSON APPOINTED BRISTOL BEARS WOMEN HEAD COACH

Bristol Bears Women is delighted to announce the appointment of Scott Lawson as Head Coach ahead of the 2025/26 PWR campaign.

Lawson, a 47-cap Scotland Men’s international, joins from the Scottish Rugby Union where he has been working as a specialist skills coach across the Women’s national team, Scotland Men’s U20 and Glasgow Warriors A.

He will join following the World U20 Championship where Scott is working as Forwards Coach with the Scotland Men’s U20 squad.

Prior to joining the Scottish Rugby Union in 2022, Lawson led the St Andrews University programme as Director of Rugby and was Defence Coach at Stirling Wolves during their Super6 campaign.

The 43-year-old, who made more than 300 professional appearances across a stellar 16-year playing career with Glasgow Warriors, Sale Sharks, Gloucester Rugby, London Irish and Newcastle Falcons, retired from the professional game in 2018.

Lawson said: “My family and I are absolutely thrilled to be joining Bristol Bears. From the moment I spoke with (General Manager) Daisie Mayes and (Director of Rugby) Pat Lam, it was clear that the vision for the women’s programme and the aligned approach across the whole club was something I really wanted to be a part of.

“I’ve loved my time with Scottish Rugby and will always be grateful for the experiences and relationships I’ve built there, which I’ll continue to value moving forward. But this was an exciting opportunity I simply couldn’t resist. I’m looking forward to getting started in my new role after the U20 World Championship in Italy.

“The Bristol squad is full of incredibly talented players and staff, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know them, building strong connections, and helping them thrive both individually and collectively.

“The World Cup in England this year is a momentous moment for the game, and I’m absolutely delighted that so many of our players will be representing their countries on the biggest stage. It’s a fantastic opportunity for them, while also creating a brilliant platform for our local talent to step up, wear the Bears jersey, and show what they can do. It speaks volumes about the depth and potential within this squad.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead, I plan to work hard, have fun, and be relentless as we thrive to bring success to Bristol Bears Women. I can’t wait to arrive in Bear Country.”

Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “Scott was the standout candidate during a thorough and highly competitive recruitment process, and we believe he is the right person to lead and build on the excellent foundations and work of Dave Ward.

“His vast coaching and playing experience across a range of different environments and levels, together with his passion for the role, understanding of the club vision and focus on player development and winning impressed us during the interview process. We’re delighted to be welcoming him to Bristol Bears.”

General Manager, Daisie Mayes, said: “We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Scott as the new Head Coach of Bristol Bears Women. Following a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process, Scott was an exceptional candidate, impressing at every stage with his vision, leadership, and passion for the game.

“Scott brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished professional playing career and his tenure coaching with the Scottish national teams. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the Bears as we head into a landmark season, where he will lead a team of coaches with a wealth of expertise, that features the Women’s Rugby World Cup with Bristol as a host venue. 

“This is the beginning of a bold new era for Bristol Bears Women, and we’re proud to have Scott leading from the front.”