Ilona Maher signs for Bristol Bears and sets sights on World Cup

Ilona Maher has set her sights on featuring at next summer’s Rugby World Cup after signing for Bristol Bears in England’s Professional Women’s Rugby (PWR).

Olympic bronze medallist Maher had been the subject of interest from several PWR clubs after making her intentions to chase a World Cup spot with the United States clear.

The sevens star has not featured in the 15-a-side game for several years but has been granted a visa with help from the league and will play for Dave Ward’s Bears on a three-month contract in 2025.

The popular player and social media star boasts nearly 5m followers on Instagram and offers a significant boost to the league’s profile ahead of a World Cup in England next summer.

“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,” Maher said after joining a side currently fourth in the table.

Maher finished as runner-up with partner Alan Bersten on the recently-concluded series of Dancing with the Stars.

The 28-year-old is expected to add to the centre and wing options within Ward’s squad and will feature alongside prominent Red Roses including prop Sarah Bern and fly half Holly Aitchison.

“This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal,” head coach Ward said. “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.”

Maher’s signature is a boost for a league that has endured some turbulent times of late. PWR remains without a chief executive after the surprise, sudden departure of Belinda Moore after the opening round of fixtures.

PWR is largely a semi-professional league, with some players not paid to play at all, though is considered the best domestic women’s rugby competition in the world.