Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) side Gloucester-Hartpury have confirmed that Kelsey Jones and Bethan Lewis will be departing the club this summer.

Jones leaves after seven seasons in Gloucester, having been a key member of the squad during a successful period for the club.

Wales international Lewis also departs after a long stint at Gloucester Hartpury, having represented the club since joining Hartpury University in 2018 and captained the side during the 2019/20 season.

Bristol Bears have already confirmed the signing of Lewis, having made 96 appearances for Gloucester-Hartpury, winning three successive PWR titles.

“I’m super excited to be joining Bristol Bears and starting a new chapter in my career,” Lewis added.

“The club has a clear vision for where it wants to go and after speaking with Scott and the coaching team, it is a journey that I’m keen to be a part of. I look forward to a new challenge and to be able to grow both on and off the field.

“There is a talented group of players here and I’m hoping to bring my experience as well as learn from the great players around me and help the team compete at the highest level.”

Wales back row Lewis said leaving Gloucester-Hartpury is “incredibly difficult” with the club playing such a big part of her life on and off the pitch.

“I’ve spent the best years of my rugby journey here, surrounded by awesome team mates, coaches and staff who have pushed me to become a better player and person every day,” said the 65-capped international.

“To have played a small part of the success we’ve achieved together is something I’ll always be proud of, these are moments I will cherish forever.

“Gloucester-Hartpury will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time for me to leave The Circus and embrace a new challenge.”

“Bethan is a consistent performer at both club and international level and her experience, leadership and competitiveness will be hugely valuable to our squad,” added Bears head coach Scott Lawson.

“To captain your country and earn more than 60 international caps speaks volumes about the quality of person and player she is.

“She has a real winning mentality and understands what it takes to perform at the highest level week in, week out. Those qualities are incredibly important for the environment we’re building here.

“She’ll bring genuine competition across the back row, but just as importantly she’ll add a wealth of experience to what is a young, ambitious and exciting squad. Having players who can help drive standards and support the development of younger members of the group is vital, and Bethan will be a huge asset in that regard.

“We’re excited to welcome her to Bears and look forward to seeing the impact she’ll have both on and off the field.”

Jones, who has won 56 caps for Wales, spoke glowingly about her time at Gloucester-Hartpury.

“Gloucester-Hartpury has been such an important part of my rugby journey and a true Holm for the last seven years,” she said.

“I’ve experienced some of my highest highs and lowest lows here, and there’s no other group I would have wanted by my side through it all.

“Together, we’ve shared incredible moments, winning titles, creating lifelong memories, and building friendships that will last forever. It has been a privilege to run out and share a pitch with so many amazing people over the years.

“While this marks the end of an era, I will always be proud to have worn the Cherry & White shirt and played a small part in the legacy we’ve built for the generations of girls to come.”

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