As Bristol Rovers Women gear up for a new season filled with hope and determination, captain Rianne Bourne-Hallett stands at the heart of a squad eager to build on last year’s experiences. A lifelong supporter turned leader, Rianne’s journey embodies the spirit and passion of the club, reflecting a deep connection to the badge and the community it represents.

Last season brought many challenges - changes in ownership, new facilities, an influx of fresh faces, and a new league to navigate. But amid these shifts, one lesson stood out clearly for Rianne and her teammates: talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success.
“Sometimes team togetherness matters more than talent,” she explains. “We faced a lot of change, but the fact we all came together as one and pulled in the same direction made our journey successful. That unity is what we’re carrying forward.”
For Rianne, captaining Bristol Rovers Women is a deeply personal honor.
“I grew up supporting Rovers - leading this team out each week is something I’ll never take for granted.” But leadership for her goes beyond words or grand gestures; it’s about showing up fully for her teammates and digging deep when the going gets tough. “Every game I try to lead with heart, resilience, and love for this badge.”

Looking ahead, the team’s ambitions are clear but grounded in realism. “Success would be finishing with more points and a higher league position,” Rianne says.
“I’d love to achieve promotion, but I don’t measure success only by that. Off the pitch, success means creating a welcoming environment that everyone wants to be part of. Last season’s togetherness took us far, and we want to build that with our new teammates.”
The fans play a crucial role in that vision. According to Rianne, Bristol Rovers supporters are unlike any she has encountered before. “From the moment I joined, the fans believed in me, sometimes even more than I believed in myself.
They back every player, no matter their background or experience, and they travel in numbers and make their voices heard from first to last minute.” Her message to them is heartfelt: “Please never change. Keep turning up, keep believing in us, and keep pushing us to be better. You’re part of this journey, and we’ll celebrate every moment with you.”
