Rafferty is a Robin.

The 27-cap Northern Ireland international arrives from fellow Barclays FA Women’s Super League side, Brighton and Hove Albion.

The 24-year-old bolsters Oxtoby’s defensive options ahead of City Women’s season opener against Everton Women this coming Sunday (September 6^th, 2pm).

Rafferty started her career at Southampton FC Academy before moving to Chelsea in 2014 to kickstart her professional career. After a brief loan spell to Oxford United in 2016, the central defender moved to the south coast in 2017 to join Brighton and Hove Albion, representing the Seagulls on 30 occasions.

“I’m excited to start a new chapter here at Bristol City. For me the environment at the club is massive and it’s been a tough two years for me, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start,” said Rafferty.

“I’ve been working really hard throughout pre-season to get myself ready for the start of the season and the opportunity came about for me to get some more football and come to Bristol City, and it was a no brainer.

“Having spoken to Tanya, the club seems like a great fit for me with the philosophy of the club and how they want to play on the pitch, but also the environment that they have built off it.

“It’s a big change and challenge for me, but one I probably needed mentally and I’m excited to get going on the pitch with my new teammates.”

“We’re delighted to bring a player of Laura’s calibre to Bristol City for the 2020/21 Barclays FAWSL season,” said City manager Oxtoby.

“She brings with her a wealth of experience and football knowledge having earned 27 caps for Northern Ireland, as well as plying her trade at Barclays FAWSL level for a number of years.

“We have needed to strengthen at the back given the long-term injuries we sustained last year, and I feel Laura will add real quality and depth to our defensive options and will be another great leader on and off the pitch for our young squad.”

Rafferty will be available for Bristol City Women’s season opener against Everton Women on Sunday afternoon (2pm) and supporters can watch all the action from Twerton Park via the FA Player App.