Freeborn and Ellis to leave Bears Women at the end of the season

Comms 09 26 Bethan Ellis and Abbey Freeborn LEAVE 16x9

Abbey Freeborn and Bethan Ellis will leave Warwickshire County Cricket Club at the end of the season to join Glamorgan.

2026-09-11T16:00+01:00

The duo have both signed contracts with the Welsh outfit for the 2027 campaign as Glamorgan move from Tier 2 to Tier 1 status.

Freeborn has spent five seasons playing at Edgbaston having joined Central Sparks in 2022 before signing with the Bears ahead of the 2025 season. In the last two years, she has cemented her place at the top of the order, scoring important runs in both the Vitality Blast and One Day Cup.

This season Freeborn was one of the leading run-scorers in the Blast, registering five 50s and scoring a total of 365 runs at an average of 36.50.

All-rounder Ellis came through the youth pathway at Warwickshire before making her list A debut for the Club in 2015. Since then, Ellis has spent time away from the Club with Shropshire and Worcestershire, but has always returned to the Club, doing so in 2019 to great effect, where she played a crucial role with the ball as Warwickshire claimed the T20 Cup title.

Similarly to Freeborn, Ellis represented Central Sparks, doing so from 2023 before signing for the Bears prior to the 2025 campaign.

Both Freeborn and Ellis are familiar with Glamorgan having both spent time on loan there in recent years. Freeborn made seven appearances in 2025, while Ellis has made seven appearances across both 2025 and 2026.

Speaking about leaving Warwickshire, Freeborn said: “After five years with Central Sparks and Warwickshire, it’s the right time for a change, and I am leaving to play for Glamorgan. I am looking forward to what will be a very exciting time as they move into tier 1, and I hope my experience will help them make the transition successfully. I have loved playing with a group of such talented players at Warwickshire and want to thank all the staff at Edgbaston, the coaches who have developed my game, and everyone behind the scenes.”

On her time at the Club, Ellis added: “Having been here since the age of 12, Warwickshire will always be a special place to me. The club has played a huge role in developing me both as a cricketer and a person, and I'm extremely grateful to everyone here who has helped me. I've made some of my closest friends here and will miss sharing the changing room with them, but I'm excited for a new challenge at Glamorgan. Thank you to Warwickshire and everyone who has supported me for the memories over the last 14 years.”

Warwickshire Bears Women Head Coach, Ali Maiden, said: “Both Abbey and Bethan have been great to work with during my time at the Club.

“Abbey’s contribution this season has been vital to the success we’ve had, while Bethan played an important part in our first year as a professional side last year.

“It’s sad to see them both go, but I understand it’s a great opportunity for them at Glamorgan, and I know as a Club we wish them all the best.”