From Dancing with the Stars to Bristol Bears: Rugby star Ilona Maher joins Bristol team

In a move set to shake the rugby scene in Bristol, US rugby star Ilona Maher has officially signed for Bristol Bears for the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby season.

Maher is an American Olympic bronze medallist, recognised for her role in helping the US women’s rugby sevens team win its first medal in 100 years in Paris.

She is the most followed rugby player in the world, with 4.6 million followers on Instagram, @ilonamaher.

Her three-month deal with the Bristol Bears is set to begin in January, and she hopes to make the US team for next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The 28-year-old forward gained global recognition during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as a key player for the US Women’s Rugby Sevens team.

Maher’s dynamic playing style and her charismatic social media presence made her a fan favourite, earning her the reputation of being not just a rugby powerhouse but also a relatable and inspirational figure for young athletes around the world.

Maher’s talents go beyond the rugby pitch. Earlier this year, she captivated audiences as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, where her charisma and athletic grace earned her widespread praise and a devoted fanbase. She placed second in the competition.

Off the field, Maher is a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-confidence. She offers a refreshingly honest take on life as an athlete on social media, breaking down the unrealistic beauty standards often imposed on women.

Maher is bringing her athletic prowess to the Bears, as well as her role as a beacon of empowerment for young women and aspiring athletes.

In a recent TikTok filmed at Ashton Gate Stadium, home of the Bears, Maher announced her joining the Bristol Bears.

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She said that she was excited to play premiership women’s rugby with and against some of the best rugby players in the world and that she’s “looking forward to calling Bristol home as we gear up for the Rugby World Cup 2025 played here in England.”

Speaking to the BBC, Bristol Bears head coach Dave Ward described Maher as “one of the biggest names in women’s sport” and her addition to the club will add huge value to their programme both on and off the field.

He said: “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.”

Premiership Women’s Rugby, PWR, chair Genevieve Shore stated:  “We want the best athletes in the world playing in the PWR.

“I think she’ll also have an incredible impact in person, too. Think of all those little girls and boys who are going to pitch up to that first game and watch her play.

“I’m excited to see what that impact looks like.”

Maher has already arrived in Bristol to commence training but plans to go back home to the States for the Christmas holidays before returning to the UK in the new year.

Featured image via @ilonamaher on Instagram.