Iconic Sevens star Ilona Maher signs for Bristol Bears in a ‘huge coup’ as the American sets sights on the 2025 Rugby World Cup
USA Sevens star Ilona Maher.
World Rugby renowned Sevens superstar Ilona Maher has signed for Premiership Women’s side Bristol Bears on a short-term contract from the beginning of 2025.
Maher rose to popularity on social media during the Olympic Games where she would go on to win bronze with the United States of America. The success at the global showpiece only catalysed her popularity further and she is now the most followed rugby page in the world with a whopping 4.6 million followers on Instagram.
The impact of the Olympics was not just felt in her social media presence but also saw her on the cover of Sports Illustrated before taking part in Dancing with the Stars.
Targeting World Cup
For Maher, the attention turns back to the game where she now looks to make waves in the 15s game ahead of the World Cup in England next year, which she clearly stated as motivation for joining Bristol.
“I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears,” Maher told the club’s media.
Maher’s three-month contract only begins in 2025 and head coach Dave Ward believes it is a big moment for the club and underlined the status of the American in global sport.
“This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal,” Ward said.
“She is one of the biggest names in women’s sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field.
“Ilona is one of the standout stars in the sevens game and we can’t wait to see her play for Bears in XVs.
“Her ability ball in hand will give our attack a new dimension and her desire to star in the Rugby World Cup in England next summer is a huge driving force for her to achieve great things at Bears.
“Her profile as an athlete to inspire the next generation aligns exactly with ours as a club and we can only applaud the work she has and will do for the women’s game.”
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