Ilona Maher Signs with Bristol Bears for Remainder of PWR Season

American Olympic bronze medallist Ilona Maher has officially joined Bristol Bears for the rest of the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season.

Maher is the most followed rugby union player globally on social media, boasting 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million on TikTok.

Contract Details and Arrival

The versatile back, who can play both at centre and on the wing, has signed a three-month contract starting in January. The 28-year-old arrived in Bristol this week to begin training with her new teammates before returning to the United States until the new year.

Bears head coach Dave Ward described Maher’s signing as a “huge coup” for the club.

“Ilona is one of the biggest names in women’s sport, not just rugby, and she will add significant value to our program both on and off the field,” Ward said. “She’s a standout star in the sevens game, and we’re excited to see her transition to XVs. Her ball-in-hand skills will bring a new dynamic to our attack, and her ambition to shine at the Rugby World Cup in England next summer is a powerful motivator.”

Ward added, “Her profile as an athlete inspiring the next generation aligns perfectly with our club values. We admire the work she has done and will continue to do for women’s rugby.”

This move marks Maher’s return to XVs rugby for the first time since 2021, after focusing on sevens over the past three years.

Speaking to BBC Sport, PWR chair Genevieve Shore expressed enthusiasm about Maher’s quick arrival: “We want the best athletes in the world competing in the PWR, and arranging Maher’s signing in just a few weeks reflects our commitment.”

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Shore highlighted Maher’s potential on and off the field as “endless,” saying, “She’s an incredible athlete and rugby player, outstanding in sevens. Her impact will extend beyond the game, inspiring young fans who come to see her play.”

Maher has previously shared her ambition to represent the United States at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where the USA will face the hosts in the opening match on August 22.

Upon joining the Bears, Maher stated, “I’m excited to join the Bristol Bears and position myself to earn a spot on the USA team for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. I look forward to working with such a talented and driven group.”

Recently a runner-up on the U.S. version of “Dancing with the Stars,” Maher’s move to the UK was supported by the Rugby Football Union (RFU), which confirmed her visa approval last week.

A Strategic Challenge for Bristol Bears

Maher’s arrival poses an intriguing challenge for coach Ward as he integrates her without disrupting an already strong lineup.

In Sevens, Maher excels at running intelligent support lines, often creating scoring opportunities. Her powerful fend and high work rate stand out. While she played on the wing internationally in XVs, she featured at centre during her college years and recently expressed interest in playing in the back row, citing Canadian captain Sophie de Goede as inspiration.

The Bears’ current backline is formidable. Wings Jaz Joyce and Millie David have performed exceptionally this season—David scoring 10 tries in seven games—while Joyce’s experience and versatility are crucial assets. Meanwhile, Reneeqa Bonner has just returned from representing Great Britain Sevens in Dubai.

The centre pairing of Phoebe Murray and Emma Orr is among the league’s most exciting. Murray made her England debut in October’s WXV competition, and 21-year-old Orr is regarded as one of the world’s top centres.

The back-row competition is also fierce, with regular starters Alisha Butchers, Evie Gallagher, and Rownita Marston-Mulhearn, supported by Gabriella Nigrelli and Jenny Herring.

Maher’s addition adds talent and depth, but fitting her into the established lineup will be a key challenge for Ward as the Bears aim to make the most of their new star.

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