While the men were delighted to have Semi Radradra available again for Heinekn Champions Cup duty, Dave Ward’s women’s side were equally pleased to have Jasmine Joyce back in harness for their Allianz Premier15s clash after a period away on the world sevens circuit with Team GB.
The Welsh speedster will be one of three players in the Bears line-up for the home game against Loughborough Lighting who made the recently announced World Women’s Team of the Year. As well as Joyce, the Bears boasted prop Sarah Bearn and lock Abbie Ward.
The Bears went back to the top of the table last weekend thanks to their bounce-back win over Worcester Warriors. That 14-12 triumph followed the defeat at Saracens that cost them their unbeaten record.
Joyce was away for both those games and returns to play on the right wing as one of eight Welsh internationals in the home side’s line-up. Hard running Courtney Keight is on the other wing, Kayleigh Powell fits in at full back and Keira Bevan and Elinor Snowsill form an experienced half-back pairing.
Upfront there is an all-Welsh back row with international skipper Siwan Lillicrap starting at No 8. The in from Alisha Butchers is joined by Hannah Johnes on the flanks.
The Bears hold a two point lead over Saracens at the top after the latter lost their unbeaten tag in a 36-17 home defeat to reigning champions Harlequins last weekend. Sarries head to Sale Sharks for their final game of the year, where they will find a Sharks team boosted by the return to the front row of Gwenllian Pyrs.
There is a big derby at Worcester Warriors, where Gloucester-Hartpury are the visitors. The home side will be missing Wales No 8 Sioned Harries, who was sent-off for a dangerous tackle last week, but will have Alex Callender in their back row.
