Ilona Maher signs with Bristol Bears for three months

In December 2024, Ilona Maher, a prominent American rugby player, announced her contract with England's Bristol Bears rugby club. The contract is set for three months and marks Maher's transition from sevens to the traditional 15s format in the Premiership Women’s Rugby. Maher, who has a following of millions on social media, previously gained recognition as a medalist at the Olympics and a competitor on 'Dancing with the Stars.' Her move to Bristol is driven by her ambition to secure a spot on Team USA for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in England. The Bristol Bears coaching staff expressed enthusiasm for Maher's arrival, seeing her as an essential asset to the team both on and off the field. Head coach Dave Ward highlighted her status as a leading name in women's rugby and anticipated her ability to enhance the team's offensive strategies. Maher's skills from the sevens game and her profile as a role model for future female athletes are expected to ignite further interest in the women's game as they approach the World Cup. She plans to share her experiences and inspire younger players, aligning with the club's values. While Maher had not played 15s rugby since 2021, she was eager to embrace the challenge. She acknowledged her nervousness about entering a new format and addressed the need for psychological support to manage the pressures from heightened expectations. Maher had previously consulted a sports psychiatrist during the Olympics and considered continuing this practice as she acclimates to her role with Bristol. As she prepares to join her new teammates, Maher expressed excitement at the prospect of possibly trying a new position among the forwards. She aims to broaden her skills, noting her size advantage in sevens could be an asset to the team in 15s rugby. Maher intends to return to Bristol after a brief stay in the US and hopes to participate in her first game against Gloucester-Hartpury on January 4, 2025. She envisions this new journey as an opportunity to grow as an athlete and continue contributing significantly to the sport of rugby, both in England and the USA.