Modern rugby icon sets sight on World Cup

03/04/2025 04:51 AM

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: USA superstar Ilona Maher hopes she has done enough to book a spot in the World Cup squad.

Maher, who is a social media icon with 4.9 million Instagram followers, was signed by Bristol Bears on a three-month contract.

She made her debut for Bristol off the bench in a 17-40 home loss to Gloucester-Hartpury Women in front of a club record crowd of 9,240.

The following game she scored her first try for the club, a 41–31 away victory against Exeter Chiefs Women

The star concluded her tenure with Bristol Bears, scoring a try during the 20-36 defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership Women's Rugby (PWR) semifinal.

Maher is no stranger to international rugby, representing the USA Sevens squad that won bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.