Ilona Maher, celebrated as a top rugby figure in America and recently acclaimed as a runner-up on “Dancing With the Stars,” is making a significant move to the United Kingdom to join the Bristol Bears. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Maher, blending her athletic prowess with her newfound dance fame.
The announcement of Maher’s move to the UK was made via her TikTok account, putting an end to months of speculation. Rumors had been swirling since October about her potential entry into the Premiership Women’s Rugby league, with both Bristol and Gloucester teams being cited as possibilities. However, the start of the rugby season coincided with Maher’s demanding schedule on the “Dancing With the Stars” reality show.
Filmed in Los Angeles, the “Dancing With the Stars” season recently concluded, with Maher and her dance partner, Alan Bersten, securing a commendable second place. Adding fuel to the speculation about her overseas rugby career, Maher posted from a London-bound airport over the weekend, hinting at a significant change.
Finally, Maher confirmed the rumors through a series of engaging videos on her social media, declaring, “The Eagle has landed.” This playful announcement signaled her arrival in Bristol, which she will now call home as she prepares for the Rugby World Cup 2025, hosted in England. In a lighthearted moment, Maher also joked about her eagerness to enjoy a traditional “roast,” highlighting one of the many cultural experiences she anticipates in her new UK chapter.
Dave Ward, head coach of the Bristol Bears, lauded Maher’s signing as a major achievement for the team. In a public statement, Ward emphasized that Maher’s unique style would bring “a new dimension” to the Bears. He further recognized her prominent status in the sports world, stating, “She is one of the biggest names in women’s sport, let alone rugby, and we believe she will add real value to our programme on and off the field.”
According to team reports, Maher is scheduled to begin training with the Bristol Bears immediately. She will then return to the U.S. for the holiday season before officially commencing her three-month contract in January. Her stint with the team will culminate around mid-March, aligning with the league final.
Alan Bersten and Ilona Maher showcase their moves on Dancing With the Stars, highlighting Ilona's versatility as a rugby star and dancer.
Maher’s influence extends far beyond the rugby pitch and dance floor, boasting an impressive online presence with over 3 million followers on TikTok and an additional 4 million on Instagram. The 28-year-old athlete first captured widespread attention during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Her engaging and humorous TikTok videos, filmed from the Olympic Village during the Covid-related restrictions that limited fan and family attendance, resonated with a global audience.
Since her breakout at the Tokyo Games, Maher’s career has continued to ascend. She played a crucial role in the U.S. team that secured a historic rugby title this summer, the nation’s first in a century. Her social media updates from the Paris Games also garnered significant attention, as fans keenly followed her journey. At the 2024 Olympics, Maher and her U.S. women’s team achieved their best-ever result, winning a bronze medal.
Upon her return from the Olympics, Maher embraced a new challenge, joining “Dancing With the Stars.” She described the show as a long-time family favorite and an opportunity to step outside her athletic comfort zone. “I think I’m also doing it again to show that rugby players are so multidimensional,” Maher shared in an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America” in September. “We go out there on the field and we’re beasts, but I can be a beauty, I can dance, I can do all these things.”
Throughout the “Dancing With the Stars” competition, Maher faced typical challenges, including an emotional moment after a difficult jive attempt. However, her vulnerability and unwavering determination resonated deeply with viewers, who consistently voted for her. Notably, she also made history as the first female celebrity on the show to lift her professional dance partner during a routine.
The news of Maher joining the Bristol Bears has been met with enthusiasm from her followers and “DWTS” colleagues alike. Alan Bersten, her dance partner, expressed his support on Maher’s Instagram, commenting, “Let’s go!!!!!!! I’m so proud of you. And can’t wait to see you kill it.”
The Premiership Women’s Rugby league will present a slight variation in format for Maher, who is primarily accustomed to rugby sevens, the seven-player format played at the Olympics. The league operates under the rugby 15s format, featuring 15 players per team and longer match durations. Rugby sevens involves two seven-minute halves, while traditional rugby 15s matches consist of two 40-minute halves, requiring different strategic and endurance approaches.
