Rugby Star Ilona Maher Sets Sights on 2025 World Cup with Bristol Bears
Fresh off a summer of sporting triumph and dancing fame, USA Rugby sensation Ilona Maher is setting her sights on a new challenge: a spot on the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad. After helping the USA Sevens secure a historic bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Maher is returning to the 15s game, signing a three-month contract with Premiership Women’s Rugby powerhouse Bristol Bears.
Maher’s move to Bristol is a strategic play, aiming to re-familiarize herself with the longer format of the game and stake her claim for a spot on the national team roster. The dynamic athlete, known for her power and speed on the pitch, first experienced 15s rugby during her college days at Quinnipiac University, even earning two international caps during the 2021 Pacific Four Series.
From Olympic Glory to the Ballroom Floor
This past summer was a whirlwind for Maher. First came the elation of capturing bronze at the Olympics, a historic moment for the USA Sevens program that catapulted their fame to new heights. From there, Maher traded her rugby boots for dancing shoes, captivating audiences with her infectious energy and impressive skills on the popular television show, “Dancing With The Stars.”
Her journey on the show culminated in a runner-up finish, exposing Maher to a whole new fanbase and cementing her status as a rising star both on and off the field. Now, with the adrenaline of the Olympics and the glitz of the ballroom fading, Maher is ready to refocus her energy on the rugby pitch.
Targeting 2025 World Cup Glory
The Women’s Eagles are gearing up for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, a tournament they are determined to conquer after falling short in the quarterfinals of the last edition.
Early qualification and promotion to the prestigious WXV1 tournament in 2024 have set the stage for a successful run. Maher’s arrival at Bristol is a sign of the team’s ambition and commitment to building a world-class squad capable of challenging for the ultimate prize.
“I am excited to join the Bristol Bears and put myself in the best position to earn a spot to represent USA in the 2025 Rugby World Cup alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears,” Maher said.
Bristol Bears are renowned for their fierce competitiveness and high standard of play, providing the perfect environment for Maher to hone her skills and push herself to become an even more formidable force on the international stage. The next few months will be crucial for Maher as she immerses herself in the 15s game once more and vies for her place alongside the best rugby players in the world.
What are Ilona Maher’s rugby aspirations while playing for Bristol Bears?
## “Back to 15s, Eyes on the Prize: An Interview with Ilona Maher”
**Interviewer:** Ilona, congratulations on your bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics! That was a truly historic moment for USA Rugby. You’ve been making waves on and off the field this summer. Now, you’re setting your sights on a new challenge – the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Tell us about your decision to join Bristol Bears.
**Ilona Maher:** Thanks! It was an incredible experience in Paris, and the support we received was amazing. But, as an athlete, you’re always looking ahead. I know the 15s game well from my college days at Quinnipiac and those caps with the national team during the Pacific Four Series [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilona_Maher)]. Joining Bristol Bears is the perfect opportunity to re-immerse myself in that format and get back to peak performance.
**Interviewer:** Bristol is a powerhouse in the Premiership. What are you hoping to gain from this experience?
**Ilona Maher:** Absolutely, being part of such a strong team will push me to be better.
I want to get back into the rhythm of the longer format, build my skills and hopefully catch the eye of the national selectors for the World Cup squad.
**Interviewer:** Combining Olympic glory with your time dancing on “Dancing with the Stars” – you’ve had an incredible year. How are you handling all this success and media attention?
**Ilona Maher:** It’s been a wild ride, that’s for sure! But I’m just trying to stay grounded, focused on my goals, and enjoying the journey. Rugby is my passion, and everything else is just icing on the cake.
Let me know if you’d like to add more questions to the interview!
