Ilona Maher has officially arrived in Bear Country; it was announced three days ago via TikTok that ‘the Eagle has landed’. TikTok is a fitting platform for Maher to publicize her news for not only is she a professional athlete, with numerous accolades, but she is also an internet sensation. 

Since the 28-year-old’s performance at the Paris Olympic Games, where she helped Team USA to win bronze, she has amassed over seven million followers across all her social media platforms. This makes her the most followed rugby player in the world. Maher has gained popularity for her bubbly personality and through posting videos about body positivity. She advocates for women in sport to embrace their athleticism and femininity simultaneously, as she believes they do not have to sacrifice one for the other. The Bristol Bears head coach David Ward stated that she is a ‘huge coup‘; for the club and shares Maher’s sentiments about female empowerment in sport. The move has thrilled and shocked many fans, some perceiving it as a backtrack in Maher’s career, but Maher insists that this experience will enrich her professional and personal life. 

Maher has gained popularity for her bubbly personality and through posting videos about body positivity

While Maher’s move to Bristol Bears has generated significant excitement, it did not prove easy to facilitate. Bristol had to fight tooth and nail to ensure Maher could make it onto their squad. Due to Maher not playing Rugby 15s since 2021 she was not considered eligible to play. However, during her time on Dancing with the Stars – where she came a commendable second – Bristol were able to get Maher the Visa she needed to play for them for the rest of the Premier Women’s Rugby season (January-March). Maher has confessed her excitement to play in the 15s again after so long, as she is able to try out new positions she could not previously in 7s. Maher also has ambition to be selected for the 2025 Rugby World Cup, which is to be hosted here in England. She has future plans to eventually return to America, as she told The Guardian, ‘a home Olympics would be amazing to play in 2028’. It is up to Bristol to make the most of their time with Maher. 

Bristol had to fight tooth and nail to ensure Maher could make it onto their squad

Maher trained with Bristol Bears this week but will soon be returning to the U.S. until the new year. Her highly anticipated debut is scheduled to be on January 4th against Bristol’s local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury. As a Bristolian myself I am thrilled at the news of Maher joining Bristol Bears and it will be a privilege to watch her play. Not only will she prove to be an asset to the team on the pitch, but off as well. Ilona Maher’s star personality will draw eyes to Ashton Gate, generating visibility for the Women’s Bristol Bears, and undoubtedly positively impact women’s rugby for generations to come. Ilona Maher’s signing to Bristol Bears is sure to be looked back on as a momentous moment in the sport’s history.

Ilona Maher’s star personality will draw eyes to Ashton Gate

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