Rugby / Bristol Bears Women
Rugby superstar Ilona Maher signs for Bristol Bears
Ilona Maher will become a Bristol Bears player in January on a three-month deal.
The USA Eagles sevens star will be hoping to return to Ashton Gate later in 2025 when the stadium hosts both semi-finals in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Maher said: “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.”
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The 28-year-old double-Olympic medallist is an outspoken advocate for body positivity and is the most followed rugby player in the world on social media.
In the latest series of Dancing with the Stars, she finished second with partner Alan Bersten.
Bristol Bears Women head coach, Dave Ward, said: “This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal.
“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.”
Main photo: Bristol Bears
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