US Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher has signed with Bristol Bears for the remainder of the Premiership Women’s Rugby season.
Maher is the most followed rugby union player in the world on social media, with 4.5 million followers on Instagram and 3.2 million on TikTok.
The utility back, who can play in the center or wing, signed a three-month contract starting in January.
The 28-year-old arrived in Bristol this week to begin training with his new team-mates before returning to his native United States until the new year.
Bears coach Dave Ward said Maher’s arrival was a “huge coup” for the club.
“Ilona is one of the biggest names in rugby, as well as women’s sport, and we believe she will add real value to our program both on and off the field,” Ward said.
“She is one of the standout stars of the Sevens game and we would love to see her play for the Bears in the XV. Her ball-in-hand ability will give our attack a new dimension and will give us a chance to become a star in the world of rugby. Next summer’s England Cup could be a huge boost for her to achieve great results for the Bears.
“Her profile as an athlete who inspires the next generation aligns exactly with our profile as a club and we cannot help but applaud the work she has done and will continue to do for the women’s game.”
The news comes as Maher returns to the XV for the first time since 2021, having focused on the sevens for the past three years.
In an interview with BBC Sport, PWR president Genevieve Shore said “We want the best players in the world playing for PWR” and that Maher’s arrival “happened in just a few weeks. It was pretty quick”.
Shore went on to explain that Maher’s potential is “endless” both on and off the field.
“She’s a great athlete, a great rugby player, and her seven-pointer was amazing,” Shore said.
“I think she will have a huge impact in person as well. Think of all the young girls and boys who will step up to their first game and watch her play.
“I’m excited to see what the impact will look like.”
