Ilona Maher’s transition to the Premiership Women’s Rugby with Bristol Bears marks a pivotal moment in her career, blending excitement, nerves, and ambition. The U.S. sevens star, renowned for her Olympic success and vibrant social media presence, is stepping into the 15s game, bringing her talents and charisma to the English league. With a contract lasting until the end of the season, Maher’s move underscores her drive to explore new challenges and expand her rugby horizons.
Maher’s rugby journey reached new heights after she helped the USA secure their first sevens Olympic medal at the Tokyo Games and repeated her standout performance at the Paris Olympics. Beyond rugby, she became a household name in the U.S., gaining millions of followers on social media and placing second on Dancing with the Stars. While her fame opens doors, it also introduces pressure. Millions of fans now watch her every move, adding scrutiny to her performance on the field.
To navigate this, Maher relies on mindfulness and has previously worked with sports psychologists. As she adapts to the demands of Premiership rugby, she anticipates continuing this practice. “I want to stay grounded and focused,” Maher explains, recognizing the importance of balancing the expectations of being a high-profile athlete with her own personal goals.
Bristol’s commitment played a significant role in securing her signature. The club worked tirelessly to obtain the necessary visa, including an appeals process that the Rugby Football Union supported. This effort, coupled with Maher’s appreciation for the club’s professionalism, solidified her decision to join despite interest from other teams.
Maher has already met her teammates and will return to the U.S. before starting her full-time tenure in England in the new year. Her debut is likely to be against Gloucester-Hartpury, an exciting local rivalry. Discussions with head coach Dave Ward suggest that she may start in positions familiar from her sevens experience, such as wing or center, but she is eager to explore roles in the forwards. Playing as a flanker or at number eight excites her, representing an opportunity to develop skills not typically utilized in sevens.
Her move to the 15s game aligns with a broader ambition to compete in the 2025 Rugby World Cup, set to take place in England. Representing the USA in a tournament featuring powerhouses like England and Australia is a goal Maher is striving for. Returning to 15s also allows her to experience a fresh environment, meet new people, and challenge herself in a different rugby format.
Maher’s arrival in the Premiership Women’s Rugby isn’t just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the league. Her presence elevates the profile of the competition, attracting new fans and media attention. Bristol’s proactive approach in signing her highlights the increasing professionalism within women’s rugby.
Although her current contract is only for this season, Maher remains open to future opportunities. She envisions potentially returning to sevens for a home Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 but is keen to see where her journey in 15s takes her. For now, she is focused on making an impact with Bristol while adapting to the league’s challenges.
This landmark signing reflects Maher’s commitment to growth and adventure, reinforcing her reputation as a dynamic athlete unafraid of stepping outside her comfort zone. Her journey with Bristol Bears has just begun, but it already promises to be a transformative chapter in her illustrious career.
