US Rugby Star Ilona Maher Joins Bristol Bears
Olympic bronze medallist and social media sensation Ilona Maher has made headlines once again by signing with the Bristol Bears for the rest of the Premiership Women's Rugby season. Maher, best known for her exploits on the rugby sevens field and recently as the runner up for this year's Dancing With The Stars, announced her move to the UK with characteristic humor and excitement.
"I'm looking forward to calling Bristol home as we gear up for the Rugby World Cup 2025 played here in England," Maher said in a video filmed at Ashton Gate Stadium, the Bears' home ground. She also joked about the cold weather and the allure of a proper English roast, bringing her signature comedic flair to the announcement.
Maher’s move marks her return to XVs rugby for the first time since 2021, having focused on sevens over the past three years. The 28-year-old, who helped secure the USA’s first rugby Olympic medal in a century at the Paris Games, is eager to gear up for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Bristol Bears head coach Dave Ward called Maher’s signing a "huge coup" for the club, noting her ability to inspire both on and off the field. "Her ability ball-in-hand will give our attack a new dimension... Her profile as an athlete to inspire the next generation aligns exactly with ours as a club," Ward said.
Maher’s presence extends far beyond the pitch. With 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million TikTok fans, she’s the most-followed rugby union player in the world. Her social media reach dwarfs even rugby stars like France's Antoine Dupont, making her a powerful ambassador for the sport.
Despite her fame, Maher faces stiff competition for a starting spot on a Bears team already stacked with talent. Wings Jaz Joyce and Millie David have been standout performers this season, while the center pairing of Phoebe Murray and Emma Orr is one of the most dynamic in the league. Coach Ward will need to carefully integrate his new star without disrupting team chemistry.
As the Bears sit fourth in the league, Maher’s arrival could provide the boost they need to climb the ranks. For fans, it’s not just her athleticism but also her personality that’s generating excitement. "Think of all those little girls and boys who are going to pitch up to that first game and watch her play," said PWR chair Genevieve Shore.
With just half the season left, Maher has a steep learning curve ahead, but her ambitions are clear: to make an impact with the Bears and secure her spot on Team USA for the 2025 World Cup.
