Ilona Maher Joins Bristol Bears: US Rugby Sevens Star And TikTok Sensation in Profile

Ilona Maher, a standout rugby star from the 2024 Paris Olympics, has joined Bristol Bears for a three-month contract to relaunch her XVs career ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup. Maher is one of the most popular rugby players on social media, with 8 million followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

The 28-year-old gained fame during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by sharing videos from the COVID-affected Olympic village, quickly rising in popularity. She has since become a key figure in women’s sports, known for her viral content, media appearances, and impressive performances on the field.

Maher is the most followed rugby player, male or female, thanks to her humorous takes on body positivity, femininity, and life in the Olympic village. Her social media success has caught the attention of major media outlets, with features in Sports Illustrated and Forbes, and a second-place finish on the U.S. version of Dancing with the Stars.

Despite her success off the field, Maher has worked hard to create a unique path in rugby, understanding that, as a female athlete, she must balance her playing career with other ventures. She has openly discussed the financial challenges in women’s rugby, saying that it’s hard to focus solely on the sport.

As a player, Maher is known for her strength, skill, and versatility, having transitioned from rugby sevens to XVs. Although her last XVs game was in 2021, she’s excited to learn from top players at Bristol Bears.

Maher’s goal is to play in the 2025 Rugby World Cup, and this move to Bristol is part of that plan. It also strengthens Bristol Bears’ squad, both on the pitch and in terms of their visibility.

While her debut at Bristol hasn’t been announced, her arrival has already caused a stir, with the club moving a match to a larger venue to accommodate the expected demand. Head coach Dave Ward called Maher “one of the biggest names in women’s sport,” confident that she will bring value both on and off the field.

Maher’s popularity on social media has already sparked interest in the team, and she hopes fans will stay for the high-quality rugby once they see the game played at its best.