England hooker Lark Atkin-Davies is to make her competitive playing return for Bristol Bears following the birth of her first child.
Atkin-Davies welcomed her daughter 16 weeks ago and will start for the Bears in their PWR Cup match against Harlequins on Saturday.
The 31-year-old’s last game was the World Cup final in September 2025, where she clinched the title with the Red Roses having played in all six of their matches during the tournament.
Atkin-Davies joined Bristol in 2022 and follows her Bears and England team-mate Abbie Ward in returning to the sport after having a baby.
Lock Ward gave birth to her second child this summer, while England captain Zoe Stratford also gave birth to her first child in recent weeks.
Bristol begin the 2026-27 Premiership Women’s Rugby campaign away at Harlequins on Sunday, 22 November.
