Emma Orr, a centre from Scotland, has signed with the Bristol Bears and will compete in Premiership Women’s Rugby next season.
Since making her debut in April 2022, the 21-year-old centre has made 19 appearances for her nation, scoring four tries.
Before playing rugby for Biggar, then Heriot’s in the Scottish Premiership, Orr began his rugby career in elementary school.
She participated in this year’s Celtic Challenge as well, playing for Edinburgh.
However, she is currently on her way to Bristol, where she will meet up with Meryl Smith, Lana Skeldon, Evie Gallagher, and Elliann Clarke, her international colleagues.
Although she acknowledged that leaving home was a difficult decision, she is excited for the new adventure.
Orr stated: “It’s been a big decision to leave home, but I really wanted to try playing in a new league and grow as a player and a person.”
Orr continued, “It is so nice to finally be here,” in a video posted on the Bristol Bears website. I can’t wait to get started because of these amazing, top-notch facilities.
“Seeing the Bears backline and hopefully being involved in that, I’m so excited to get stuck in. I love distributing and putting other people in space.”
Orr acknowledged that the agreement had taken a while to come together and thanked her foreign colleagues for their assistance in showing her the city.
Those females have really helped me out by taking me under their wing and teaching me the ropes. I consider myself quite fortunate to have them here, and I’m excited to perform with them.
When asked about her objectives for the upcoming season, Orr—one of the Scots who, if she continues to play at her current level, will undoubtedly be considered for the first-ever women’s Lions squad in 2027—says she just wants to keep improving.
“The main objective is to push myself and train with some of the best players in the world; playing in this league is going to be so exciting. It’s obviously quite an important year in terms of the World Cup next summer.”
The Bristol Bears women’s team head coach, Dave Ward, was overjoyed.
