It’s a West Country derby for Gloucester-Hartpury this weekend as they travel down the M5 to take on Bristol Bears at Shaftesbury Park.

The game is being broadcast live on BBC Red Button.

Head Coach, Sean Lynn, has lots of respect for the Bears and says his team's defence will be key to coming away with the result.

“Bristol are a good side who play some very good rugby. We’ve got to be in sync and put in a really good defensive effort because they keep the ball very well.

“I love the West Country derby games and the girls love them too. They’ll have a good crowd at Shaftesbury Park on Saturday; they always do. But we’re really looking forward to that challenge and are looking for that 10 from 10 record."

With a number of internationals in both sides, there are lots of relationships between the two teams, and Lynn says the players love coming up against their friends on the pitch.

“That’s the nice thing about rugby, isn’t it? You get to know everyone, and everyone gets on.

There are a few Welsh girls, Irish girls and Red Roses and it’s nice for them to play against each other, have a hard-contested 80 minutes and after it have a hug and a drink in the bar.”

Last time they met, Gloucester-Hartpury came out on top 36-5 at the Alpas Arena in round two of the Premier 15s, but Lynn thinks both sides have moved on from then.

“We went really well against Bristol last time we played them. Defensively we were in sync, we were very physical, and we turned our possession and territory into points well.

“So of course we can take a lot of confidence, but both teams have improved since then so it should be a very good game.”

Gloucester-Hartpury defeated Sale Sharks 41-7 at Kingsholm on Saturday - making it nine wins from nine matches in the league this season. Lynn was proud of his side's achievement, saying:

“It was a great win, I’ve not really mentioned the record so far but to go nine from nine, beating every other team in the league is brilliant.

"It showed the strength of our squad because we had a few girls out injured, and the girls that came in were outstanding, so to win 41-7 at Kingsholm was very special.”

It was Gloucester-Hartpury’s first Kingsholm appearance of the season, Lynn said it’s always special to play at ‘Holm, and looks forward to returning when they take on Saracens on Saturday 25 February.

“It was great, the girls loved it. Being able to go into the changing room and have the community day before the game was amazing. The crowd were great, and the girls were buzzing so it was an all-around great day.

“We have another game here against Saracens on 25 February, and then again in May against Harlequins so please come along and support the girls, these Kingsholm fixtures are great days out.”

Tickets for Gloucester-Hartpury’s meeting with Saracens at Kingsholm on Saturday 25 February are available HERE.

Lynn targets West Country derby double over Bristol Bears on Saturday

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