Ilona Maher goes from ‘Dancing With the Stars' to playing rugby in the UK
Ilona Maher, the biggest rugby sensation in the U.S. and a finalist on "Dancing With the Stars," has made her way to the UK to join the Bristol Bears.
On Monday, Maher revealed her decision on TikTok, putting an end to months of speculation about her potential entry into the Premiership Women's Rugby league. Rumors started back in October about her discussions with the Bristol or Gloucester teams. However, the season kicked off while Maher was participating in the well-known reality show "Dancing With the Stars."
The series, filmed in Los Angeles, wrapped up last week with Maher and her partner, Alan Bersten, finishing in second place. Over the weekend, she fueled rumors about taking her career abroad by sharing a post from an airport while traveling to London.
However, Maher ultimately addressed the speculation in videos posted on her social media, stating, "The Eagle has arrived."
"I can't wait to make Bristol my home as we prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2025, which will be hosted here in England," Maher quipped.
She playfully asked if she could "get a roast" after finishing the video, mentioning that it was one of the main reasons she was there.
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Bears head coach Dave Ward referred to Maher's signing as a significant achievement in a statement on Monday, emphasizing that her playing style brings an exciting new element to the team.
"She is a major figure in women's sports, especially in rugby, and we believe she will bring significant benefits to our program, both in games and beyond," Ward stated.
The team has announced that Maher will practice with the Bears before enjoying the holiday season in the U.S. He is expected to rejoin them in January on a three-month contract. The league final is planned for mid-March.
Maher has gathered over 3 million followers on TikTok and an additional 4 million on Instagram. The 28-year-old sportsman gained popularity during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics by sharing funny TikTok clips from the Olympic Village, as the Covid pandemic limited audience attendance for family and fans.
Her popularity has continued to grow since the Tokyo Games, as Maher was a member of the team that secured the U.S. its first rugby championship in a century this summer.
Supporters closely tracked her updates from the Paris Games. The U.S. women's team secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, marking their best finish in the history of the event.
When Maher got back home, she decided to take on a new adventure by agreeing to be part of "Dancing With the Stars." She mentioned that it was a program she used to enjoy watching with her family and felt it would push her beyond her usual boundaries.
"I believe I'm doing this to demonstrate that rugby players have many sides," Maher shared during an interview on ABC's "Good Morning America" in September. "On the field, we might seem fierce, but I also have a softer side; I can dance and engage in various activities."
During the competition, Maher faced some challenges and even became emotional at one point after a difficult jive performance. However, her fans admired her honesty and perseverance, supporting her with their votes week after week.
She made history by being the first female star on the show to lift her partner during a dance.
Maher's fans were excited to learn that she is joining the Bears, with her fellow "DWTS" cast members also supporting her.
"Let’s do this!!!! I'm incredibly proud of you and can't wait to see you shine," Bersten wrote on Maher's Instagram account.
The Women’s Premiership Rugby league will feature a slightly different format than what Maher is accustomed to. She usually competes in rugby sevens, which is played with seven players on each team, just like in the Olympics. However, this league is played in the 15s format, where each team has 15 players.
In the 15s format, there are more players involved, and the games last quite a bit longer. The smaller teams play in two halves of seven minutes each, while in traditional rugby 15s, matches are divided into two 40-minute halves.
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