USA's Ilona Maher charges through the Canada defence at a world series tournament in Langford. Photo: Photosport
United States' Olympic bronze medallist and social media star Ilona Maher has joined Bristol Bears on a three-month deal starting in January, the Premiership women's rugby union club said.
Prop Maher helped the US team clinch the Rugby Sevens bronze medal at the Paris Games after defeating Australia, with New Zealand later securing gold.
The 28-year-old is the most popular rugby player on social media with a following of 4.6 million on Instagram and 3.3 million on TikTok.
Last month, Maher finished runner-up on American reality TV show "Dancing with the Stars" with dance partner Alan Bersten, where she became the first female contestant to lift her male partner.
The versatile back can play at centre and on the wing.
"She's going to shock people when she plays 15s," Bears head coach Dave Ward told BBC.
"I think she is going to be devastating. She is someone with the pace of (England winger) Abby Dow, the size of (England lock) Abbie Ward, and a step.
Ilona Maher. Photo: Photosport
"You've got a fantastic rugby player there. She is going to be a massive asset to our game and give us a completely different dynamic.
"Everyone knows about the social media following and that is all well and good, but, from my perspective, we saw a world-class rugby player who wanted to come and play 15s and was looking for the best league and hopefully the best programme.
"That is what we wanted to represent."
Maher, who appeared on US television show Dancing With The Stars, will return home for Christmas before starting training in earnest with Bristol in the new year.
However, she was involved in a skills sessions with her new team-mates on Monday and, despite having had four months away from the sport, impressed Ward with her passing, conditioning and enthusiasm.
"She was ripping the ball off her right and left hand just as well as [centre] Phoebe Murray," Ward added.
Maher said in a statement: "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 (in England) alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears".
- Reuters
