Season Preview : Bristol Bears

Lark Atkin-Davies believes the PWR title is up for grabs for anyone this season due to the improvement in quality across the board.

Coming back from World Cup glory with the Red Roses, the Bristol Bears hooker will be hoping to help her side take the next step after their semi-final appearance last time out.

However, with a number of international stars joining clubs across the PWR, including Black Ferns like Alana Borland, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Amy Rule, that task will be more difficult than ever. 

As a result, there is no resting on their laurels at Bears and the club's S&C coaches gave Atkin-Davies a brutal welcome back.

"I was treated to some broken broncos, which was a nice welcome back," she joked.

"I'm really excited for the season. Going back to Bears is always really exciting, just the environment and the group of people that we have. 

"I think hopefully from the World Cup, we'll see now in the PWR that the support continues. I think it's going to be really competitive in the league this year. I don't think you could call it at the moment, which is a great place to be in."

Bears enter the new term with a typically strong squad of Red Roses talent, but the front row is a particular area of pride for those in the West Country.

The Bristol front three features three of the six front rowers who took the field for England in their momentous World Cup final victory.

Hannah Botterman, Sarah Bern and Atkin-Davies form what is arguably the most potent combination in the league which, in such a vital area in terms of the penalty count, could be the difference between winning and losing this season. 

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Atkin-Davies said: "We work really well together as a front row.  We're quite often not in a combination together at Red Roses, but I think when we go to Bears, the scrum is definitely an asset for us. It's something that we pride ourselves on.

"If you look at [Botterman and Bern] and the way that they play around the park as well, it's exciting to be a part of, and I just love being able to play with them and challenge each other.

"Also, if you look at the other front row players that we have at Bears as well, we've got a load of really talented front row players. Simi [Pam], Lana [Skeldon], Maisie [Davies], a new signing as well. It's great to have so much depth and it's really exciting."

Over the past few seasons, the Bears have been known for an extreme possession-based game, which meant they ran the ball out of their own 22 more often than not. 

This tactic got them into trouble at times, as they occasionally coughed up the ball close to their own tryline, giving the opposition an excellent attacking platform. 

With the departure of head coach Dave Ward, who was replaced by Scott Lawson, their hooker believes fans could see a change in approach during this campaign, even though she has not been at training long. 

Atkin-Davies said: "Seeing some of the tries that they've scored in the cup, there's definitely still that sort of [attacking] play. But I think it will be a bit more of a balance in the way that we play as well.

"We are potentially looking to the kicking game a little bit more. From watching a bit of the cup, there have been some great tries scored that have been fairly deep into 22. I think it will be about getting the balance right.

"Scott [Lawson] will definitely bring in some new things. Rhys [Oakley] as well, in terms of defence. I'm excited to get going and start to learn a bit more about the changes."

What has changed at Bristol Bears?

Long time Head Coach Dave Ward departed Bristol Bears over the summer to join Ampthill, and he was replaced by ex-Scotland hooker Scott Lawson. 

There have been numerous high-profile playing departures as well, including Holly Aitchison, Ilona Maher and Amber Reed which will leave holes in the squad. 

But Bears have also made some strong signings including Welsh internationals Gwennan Hopkins, Maisie Davies and Natalia John.