United States sevens star Ilona Maher will join Bristol in January for the rest of the season, aiming to feature at next year’s World Cup.
Maher, the game’s most popular player on social media with over eight million followers, including 4.6 million on Instagram, was a standout player in the Eagles’ bronze medal run at the Olympics over the summer.
The 28-year-old plays center and wing and her arrival will boost Bristol’s pursuit of the Women’s Rugby Premiership title.
Maher celebrates after USA quarterfinal win over Great Britain at Paris Olympics
“It’s a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to the Bristol Bears on a short-term deal,” said head coach Dave Ward.
“She is one of the biggest names in women’s sport – let alone rugby – and we believe she will add real value to our program on and off the field. Her ball-in-hand skills will give our attack a new dimension.”
Maher has spent the past three years in the U.S. sevens program, but is looking to restart her 15s career with the 2025 World Cup next fall.
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