Ilona Maher: American Rugby Star Signs with Bristol Bears in the UK | US News
US rugby sensation Ilona Maher is relocating to the UK to join the Bristol Bears.
The rugby sevens athlete, who has amassed an impressive 3.3 million followers on TikTok and 4.6 million on Instagram, revealed her transition to the Premiership Women’s Rugby league on Monday via a video shot at Ashton Gate Stadium, home of the Bears.
“I’m excited to make Bristol my home as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2025, which will be held here in England,” Maher expressed.
She humorously mentioned the chilly climate and whimsically inquired about getting a “roast” after filming, noting that it was one of the main reasons for her presence there.
The 28-year-old rose to popularity during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she shared frequent social media updates from the Olympic Village while the COVID pandemic prevented fans and family members from attending in person.
Maher also created entertaining content during the Paris games this summer, securing a bronze medal and helping the women’s rugby sevens team earn the US its first rugby medal in a century, despite a 92-year absence for the sport at the Olympics.
Her significant social media following has made her the most followed rugby player worldwide.
In contrast, France’s Antoine Dupont—who is often hailed as the greatest men’s rugby union player and one of the most recognized current athletes—has about 1.1 million followers on Instagram and 171,000 on X.
Bristol Bears head coach Dave Ward described Maher as “one of the biggest names in women’s sport,” stating that she “will add real value” to the team in the West Country.
Maher in action during the Paris Olympics. Pic: Reuters
“Her skills with the ball will bring a new dimension to our attack, and her motivation to shine at the Rugby World Cup in England next summer drives her to achieve tremendous success with the Bears,” he said.
“Her stature as an athlete to inspire the next generation aligns perfectly with our club’s mission, and we commend her efforts for the women’s game.”
The Bears announced that Maher has already arrived in Bristol to begin her training, although she will return to the States for Christmas before coming back to the UK in the new year.
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The Women’s Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place across the UK starting in August next year.
Maher’s transition to the UK follows her impressive run as a runner-up on Dancing With The Stars—the US edition of Strictly Come Dancing—which just concluded last week.
In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, she revealed that she participated in the reality dance competition to demonstrate that “rugby players are multidimensional”.
