Ilona Maher: Bristol coach predicts US rugby star will be devastating

Bristol Bears coach Dave Ward believes that English rugby isn't prepared for the influence that American superstar Ilona Maher will bring to the field.

Maher, who claimed a bronze medal in Olympic rugby sevens in Paris this past summer, will start a three-month contract with the Bears in January.

At just 28 years old, he has become a prominent social media personality, boasting 4.5 million followers on Instagram and 3.2 million on TikTok. However, Ward emphasizes that what matters most to him is the fresh perspective Maher will bring to his team.

"She's going to surprise everyone when she plays in the 15s," Ward stated.

"I believe she'll be incredibly powerful. She combines the speed of Abby Dow from England and Ealing Trailfinders, the physicality of Abbie Ward from England and Bristol, along with impressive footwork."

You have an amazing rugby player on your team. She will bring great value to our game and create a whole new dynamic for us.

"While it's common knowledge that social media following plays a role, from my viewpoint, we witnessed a top-tier rugby player eager to join the 15s format. He was searching for the premier league and, ideally, the finest program available."

"That's the message we aimed to convey."

Maher, a contestant on the American TV show Dancing With The Stars, will go back home for Christmas and then begin serious training with Bristol in the new year.

Nonetheless, on Monday, she participated in a skills practice with her new teammates. Despite being away from the sport for four months, she amazed Ward with her passing skills, fitness level, and eagerness.

"She was snatching the ball with both her right and left hands just as effectively as [center] Phoebe Murray," Ward remarked.

Ward warned that the Premiership Women's Rugby match between Bristol and Gloucester-Hartpury on January 4 might come too soon for Maher to participate. She is still in the process of getting familiar with the 15-a-side game, which she hasn’t played since 2021, and might need more time to adjust.

He expects Maher to begin her time with Bristol playing on the wing but also thinks she might take on roles in midfield and the back row. This comes as United States coach Sione Fukofuka is eager to consider different positions for her in light of her possible participation in the Rugby World Cup in England this August.

"We haven't ruled anything out for her... she can take on any of those roles," Ward stated.

Picture her standing behind a group consisting of Sarah Bern, Hannah Botterman, and Lark Atkin-Davies. Who would you choose to protect?

It's really thrilling! I feel energized discussing it, and I believe our fans will be thrilled to see it as well.