RAF and UK Armed Forces rugby union star Orla Proctor signs for Bristol Bears

RAF and UK Armed Forces rugby union star Corporal Orla Proctor has signed for Bristol Bears for the 2026/27 season.

The 23-year-old left Harlequins at the end of last season after a long-term injury interrupted her campaign.

She's hoping to get back on track at Bristol, who were the opponents that the full-back scored her first UKAF try against in a Remembrance fixture in 2023.

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Speaking to Bristol Bears' media, Cpl Proctor said: "Joining Bristol Bears Women is a really exciting opportunity for me in my rugby career.

"From my conversations with the coaches, it was clear that the club has a strong vision for where it wants to go and I wanted to be part of that journey.

"This move gives me the chance to challenge myself in a new environment, work alongside talented players and continue developing my game. I'm looking forward to stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing what we can achieve together as a squad."

Previously, Cpl Proctor, who works with the RAF Police, played for Scottish Premiership side Stirling County and Leicester Tigers as well as a loan spell at Glasgow Warriors.

She was a key cog in Sarah Mitchelson's UKAF team that finished third at last year's International Defence Rugby Competition and Cpl Proctor scored at Kingsholm in the third/fourth place play-off against the Irish.

Cpl Proctor is one of many forces players hoping to impress in the top division of English women's rugby alongside names such as Amy Cokayne, Jade Mullen, Manuqalo Komaitai and Sarah Bonar, amongst others.