Ilona Maher Joins Bristol Bears Rugby Team

Ilona Maher, an Olympic rugby star and runner-up on Dancing With The Stars, has announced her move to the UK to join the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league. Maher expressed excitement about calling Bristol home as she prepares for the Rugby World Cup 2025, which will be hosted in England. She humorously shared her transition on social media, asking whether grizzly or black bears were the 'mean' ones and inquiring about the cold weather. Her contract with the Bears will start in January 2025 and run until the season ends in March. Maher aims to enhance her chances of making the U.S. roster for the upcoming World Cup after helping her team secure a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics. Additionally, she remains open to future opportunities in rugby, including possibly returning to the sevens format for the 2028 Olympics.