Ilona Maher: How women’s rugby found its catalyst in Bristol Bears' blockbuster signing
The move of the U.S. star to Premiership Women's Rugby has already led to unprecedented ticket sales in England, even before she has had the chance to lace up her boots.
Rugby Sevens
By her own account, Ilona Maher is not the best rugby player in the world – and she is perfectly fine with that.
But what few, if any, can match her on is personality.
With over four million followers on Instagram and over three million on TikTok, it’s clear that she has a way with people.
Unapologetically herself, including a sprinkling of humour and advocating for body positivity, she’s a one-of-a-kind player in her own right.
Ilona’s fame has only skyrocketed over the summer where, alongside Team USA, she stormed to a sevens bronze at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Now she is taking her talents across the pond to the Bristol Bears and the Premiership Women’s Rugby League.
If there were any doubts about the kind of impact this might have for the sport in England, they surely have been answered.
Fans are flocking to the south to get a chance to see the 28-year-old in action – and this is just the start of what could be the catalyst for the growth of women’s rugby.
Impact: Ilona Maher’s move makes history
Last week, it was announced that Maher would join the Bristol Bears on a short-term contract ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
A specialist in sevens, the United States native has made the move with the hopes of reigniting her 15s career ahead of next summer’s spectacle.
The switch comes off the back of a huge year, one that has seen her become the sport’s most followed player - male or female - on social.
Her bronze medal in Paris was followed up by a second-place finish in the US version of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ alongside partner Alan Bersten.
But now all eyes are on January when Maher links up with her new teammates in the PWR league.
"To be with some of the best players in the world, who play such a crisp game that I would love to play, I just know I am going to learn so much from them. I hope I am going to get up to that level,” she said on her move.
Ilona had barely stepped foot on English soil by the time her arrival began to rock supporters, so much so, that her potential opener had to be moved to a bigger ground.
Bristol’s clash with Gloucester-Hartpury on 5 January was due to be played a Shaftesbury Park, which seats 200.
Now it will be held at the 27,000-capacity Ashton Gate Stadium due to “unprecedented demand”.
She may not be lacing up her boots to play by then, but Maher is encouraging fans to come regardless in support of rugby.
"If I am what gets them in the door, awesome, but I hope that the rugby being played is what makes them stay," she said.
"Come for the TikTok girl, but stay for rugby which will be on par with the best."
Every sport has an athlete who creates a shift within their respective field, whether they mean to or not.
Where Alex Morgan drove the standards of football, and Caitlin Clark the crowds of basketball, Maher could very well cement her own legacy in the sport she loves with this stint overseas.
Emily Scarratt: How Maher can help grow the game
It’s not just fans excited about Maher’s move overseas, either.
England centre Emily Scarratt believes the influx of high–profile names will help the growth of the game.
“Additions like Ilona Maher prove how good this PWR league is,” she said.
“I think what we have seen most recently and not just in rugby, is people fellow people. With the rush of social media, they don’t necessarily tune into a team or country.
“I think she is going to do amazing things just by being here; she already has done by bringing people from all over the world to our league.”
With great expectations comes a lot of responsibility though, even on the shoulders of a giant personality like Maher’s.
Despite going into the remainder of the season as rivals, Scarratt is still wishing nothing but the best for the league newcomers.
“I hope she has a really good experience and doesn’t feel the weight on her shoulders too much.
“Internationals are continuing to push the game on and the clubs within it are in a good place; Ilona will only help keep pushing that.”
Ilona Maher meeting Bristol Bears fans following her arrival.
How to watch Ilhona Maher at the Bristol Bears
If, like thousands of others, you want to watch Ilona in the Premiership Women’s Rugby League, there is one place to catch the action.
One match per round is selected for broadcast in the UK, available to view on TNT Sports on TV, or via Discovery+ online.
With Maher's three-month contract at Bristol Bears beginning in January, here's when you can see her in action.
- Saturday 5 January: Bristol Bears v Gloucester-Hartpury (14:00 GMT)
- Sunday 12 January: Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears (15:00 GMT) – live on TNT Sports
- Saturday 18 January: Bristol Bears vs. Leicester Tigers (14:00 GMT)
- Saturday 25 January: Trailfinders vs. Bristol Bears (13:00 GMT)
- Saturday 1 February: Bristol Bears vs. Loughborough Lightning (15:00 GMT)
- Friday 14 February: Harlequins vs. Bristol Bears (20:30 GMT)
- (TBC) 1-2 March: Semi-finals
- (TBC) Sunday 16 March: Grand Final