Bristol Bears Women has struck a deal with a local software company.

Xledger, a cloud-based finance platform based on Cheese Lane in the city, has agreed to be the rugby club first team's main partner and front-of-shirt sponsor.

The deal will cover the 2025-2026 season and will be over two years.

The partnership extends a relationship with Bristol Sport stretching back to 2019 and includes the Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s 'Bear in Mind' scheme for teenage girls.

The 12-week programme assists 14-16-year-old girls with navigating the challenges of growing up in the modern world through classroom and practical rugby sessions.

Bristol Sport chief commercial officer Sarah Farrar said: “We are delighted to extend our long-term partnership with Xledger.

"To have Xledger on the Bears Women’s first team shirts and to continue to support the Bear in Mind programme is a testament to their commitment to empowering ambition at all levels.

“This is an exciting time for women’s sport, particularly rugby, with the World Cup coming to Bristol and Ashton Gate and we are pleased that Xledger will continue to be a partner of the Bears and Bristol Sport.”

Xledger will also sponsor two of the Bears’ players, Red Roses Hannah Botterman and Abbie Ward. The company will also be the official finance solutions partner for the sporting group, the club said.

Peter Hucker, chief executive at Xledger Ƶ, said: “Our partnership with Bristol Sport has gone from strength to strength across the last six years, and our values and vision for supporting our community continue to align.

“At Xledger we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where all of our team can thrive. Whether that’s with flexible working or tailored personal development pathways, we’re proud to lead a culture that empowers everyone to grow and succeed.

“That same commitment to excellence and opportunity drives our support for Bristol Bears Women and initiatives like Bear in Mind, which provide practical tools and confidence-building experiences for young women in our community.”