Ilona Maher: Bristol Bears signs US star to play in PWR
U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher has signed with the Bristol Bears for the remainder of the women’s premiership rugby season.
Maher is the most followed rugby league player on social media in the world, with 4.5 million followers on Instagram and 3.2 million followers on TikTok.
The versatile defender, who can play as a center forward or on the wing, has signed a three-month contract starting in January.
The 28-year-old has arrived in Bristol this week to start training with his new team-mates before returning to his native United States until the New Year.
Bears head coach Dave Ward said Maher’s arrival is a “huge success” for the club.
“Ilona is one of the biggest names in women’s sports, let alone football, and we believe she will add real value to our program on and off the field,” Ward said.
“She is one of the brightest stars in Sevens and we can’t wait to see her in action in the Bears XV. Her handball abilities will bring a new dimension to our attack, And her desire to become a star in the rugby world next summer’s England Cup is a huge motivation for her to achieve great things with the Bears.
“Her profile as an athlete who inspires the next generation aligns perfectly with who we are as a club and we can only applaud the work she has done and will do for the women’s game.”
The news comes as Maher returns to the XV for the first time since 2021, having spent the past three years focusing on rugby sevens.
PWR chairman Genevieve Shore told BBC Sport in an exclusive interview that “we want the best athletes in the world to compete in PWR” and that Maher’s arrival has been arranged “in just a few weeks” , the speed is quite fast.”
Shore went on to describe Maher’s potential on and off the field as “endless.”
“She’s an unbelievable athlete, she’s an unbelievable rugby player and she’s outstanding in rugby sevens,” Shore said.
“I think she’ll have an incredible impact herself as well. Think of all those little girls and boys who are going to pitch in that first game and watch her play.
“I’m excited to see what that impact looks like.”
