Olympic Rugby Star Ilona Maher Joins Bristol Bears for 2025 World Cup Push

The American athlete and social media sensation signs a three-month deal to return to 15-a-side rugby in England's top league.

Ilona Maher, a bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics in rugby sevens, has signed a short-term contract with the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league.
The move marks her return to 15-a-side rugby for the first time since 2021, as she aims to secure a spot on the USA squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Bristol Bears led the effort to secure her eligibility and visa, overcoming initial barriers due to her lack of recent experience in the 15-player format.
Maher, who is the most-followed rugby player on social media, recently gained additional prominence as the runner-up on 'Dancing with the Stars.'
Her first match for the Bears is scheduled for January 4, 2025, against local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury, with the league final set to take place in March.