Bristol Ladies were founded as Clifton Ladies RFC in 1984 for what was intended as a one-off match against Weston Hornets. They eventually made it into the Women's Premiership before being relegated. In 2002, they defeated Nottingham Medoc Casuals in the RFUW Rugby World National Cup Final at
Franklin's Gardens in
Northampton,
Northamptonshire, which they won with thirteen international players in their side. They were the first club outside of the London clubs of
Richmond Women,
Saracens Women and
Wasps Ladies to win the trophy. In 2007, they were promoted back into the Women's Premiership and played one more season as Clifton RFC. In 2008, Clifton became affiliated to Bristol Rugby, who then took over the running of the team from Clifton RFC. ==Current squad==