Ilona Maher, the world’s most-followed rugby player on social media, has joined Premiership Women’s Rugby club Bristol Bears on a three-month contract.
Maher, 28, travelled to Bristol to complete her move this week and will be registered to play for her new club from January over the remaining three months of the season.
The move means Maher has completed her return to full XVs rugby for the first time since 2021, having played exclusively the sevens code for the past three years — helping the U.S. to a bronze medal position in this year’s Olympics.
Maher is the most followed rugby player, both male and female, on social media; the utility back’s Instagram profile has more than 8million followers across her social media platforms.
Beast. Beauty. Brains. BEAR. 🐻@ilona_maher is in the house! 🇺🇸💫 pic.twitter.com/KgTwO7TWkg
— Bristol Bears Women 🐻 (@BristolBearsW) December 2, 2024
Maher’s popularity has soared since the Olympics, having competed in the U.S. version of Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in second place on Dancing With The Stars.
She was capped previously by the U.S. in XVs on two occasions in 2021 and is now targeting a place in next year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will be staged in England.
Maher said: “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.”
Bristol Bears head coach Dave Ward said the arrival of Maher is a “huge coup” who will “add real value to our programme on and off the field”.
The Bristol Bears squad, who are currently fourth in the English top flight with five wins from seven league games this season, contains a trio of England internationals — Hannah Botterman, Sarah Bern and Holly Aitchison.
GO DEEPER
How U.S. women’s rugby finished a breakout Olympics with a bronze medal
(Top Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images for the USOPC)
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