Olympics superstar Ilona Maher joins Bristol Bears in blockbuster deal
Ilona Maher was one of the biggest stars of this summer's Olympic games in Paris and is women's rugby's most popular player on social media; she is seeking to relaunch her 15s career with the 2025 Rugby World Cup taking place next autumn
Monday 2 December 2024 21:27, UK
United States sevens star Ilona Maher will join Bristol in January for the rest of the season with the aim of appearing at next year's World Cup.
Maher, the game's most popular player on social media with over eight million followers including 4.6m on Instagram, was a standout performer in the Eagles' bronze-medal finish at the Olympics during the summer.
The 28-year-old plays centre and wing and her arrival will bolster Bristol's pursuit of the Premiership Women's Rugby title.
- Joe Marler confirms retirement from rugby
- Gallagher Premiership table | Fixtures and results
- Stream Sky Sports with NOW - no contract, cancel anytime
"It's a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal," head coach Dave Ward said.
"She is one of the biggest names in women's sport - let alone rugby - and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field. Her ability ball in hand will give our attack a new dimension."
Trending
- Liverpool hit back to lead Man Utd LIVE!
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Trent, Rashford, Olmo latest
- Sunderland 1-0 Portsmouth highlights
- Fulham 2-2 Ipswich highlights
- 'What is VAR doing?' | Brighton's 'controversial' penalty analysed
- NFL final day LIVE! Who will reach the playoffs?
- Celtic cruise past St Mirren to move 13 clear after Rangers held at Hibs
- Martinez SMASHES Man Utd into the lead at Anfield
- Salah wants 'special' Premier League win in 'last year' at Liverpool
Maher has spent the last three years in the USA's sevens programme but is seeking to relaunch her 15s career with the 2025 World Cup taking place next autumn.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
