Abbie Ward

Known for her strong leadership qualities and incredible performances at the lineout, Abbie Ward is a talented lock who currently represents England and Bristol Bears Women. She was named in the World Rugby Dream Team of the Year for 2021 and 2022. 

Born in Dumfries on 27 March 1993, Ward spent most of her childhood in Keswick, Cumbria. Her first taste of rugby was at the age of 10 at Keswick School. She went on to attend Northumbria University, where she graduated with a degree in history and politics and gained a masters in sports coaching.

Away from academia, Ward's rugby-playing career began as a teenager. She excelled in England rugby training groups and was subsequently selected for the U20s. Three years later, in 2014, she spent the summer playing for the Canadian team, Strathcona Druids. She signed for the Darlington Mowden Park Sharks in the same year and transferred to Harlequins in 2017.

Following her success in the U20s, Ward made her debut for the England senior team in 2015. She impressed from the off, scoring a try in her first start against Italy. She quickly became a key member of the squad and was chosen for the 2017 Rugby World Cup.

A talented and tough lock, Ward has earned some impressive achievements at the Six Nations. She competed in all five matches during the 2018 tournament and won her first Championship title in 2019. 

Following a hip injury, Ward won her second Grand Slam at the 2020 Six Nations. Next, she signed with Bristol Bears and made her second World Cup appearance. More recently, Ward claimed two further Grand Slams in 2023 and 2024.

Even with such an exciting career to date, we're sure we haven't seen the best of Abbie Ward just yet. Follow her next tournament-winning performance right here at RugbyPass.