LUDLOW rugby star Lark Davies believes her move to Bristol Bears will help her "grow as a person and a player" in World Cup year.

England hooker Davies will join Bears from Loughborough Lightning ahead of the 2022-23 Allianz Premier 15s campaign.

The 27-year-old, who helped the Red Roses to a Grand Slam title in this season's Six Nations, topped the 2021-22 Premier 15s try-scoring charts with 16 as Lightning secured a seventh-place finish.

Bears, however, finished third, reaching the play-offs, and have swooped to sign the former Orleton Primary School and Ludlow College student.

Davies said: "The Bears have really taken the Premier 15s by storm this season and I'm excited to get to work at the World-Class High-Performance Centre.

"It's a hugely talented squad with a clear identity and after meeting with [head coach] Dave Ward and hearing about the Bears' vision and programme, I knew this is where I needed to be to grow as a person and a player."

Davies, a 40-cap international, scored five times during the Six Nations campaign and is eyeing a spot in the England World Cup squad this autumn.

Bears head coach Ward said: "We're delighted to bring a player of Lark's class and experience to the Bears. Everyone saw during the Six Nations just what a World Class player she is and we look forward to seeing her in Bears colours.

"Lark's set-piece work is outstanding and her try scoring record speaks for itself both at club and international level. It's an exciting time to be at Bristol and we're excited to have Lark joining the journey."