Ilona Maher: USA rugby star scores first try for Bristol Bears
The Paris 2024 rugby sevens bronze medallist opened her English rugby union account with a try and a win on her first start for the Bristol Bears.
Ilona Maher made her full debut for the Bristol Bears in the English Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), as she continues her re-adaptation to rugby 15s.
The Olympic bronze medallist recorded a try and an assist in the Bears’ PWR match away to the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday (12 January), helping them to a 41-31 victory.
Maher assisted Meg Varley to extend the West Country side’s lead in the second half, before scoring the first points of her PWR career with an excellent try, driving through the Chiefs defence and fending off tackles to ease over the line.
"I don’t go around people, I always go through!" said Maher, according to the New York Times.
Bristol Bears sit mid-table in fifth as they push for a return to the play-offs, where they finished third in the regular season last year.
Maher joined the Bears in December 2024 on a short-term deal with an eye on the Rugby World Cup, which begins in England on 22 August 2025.
The American hopes her 15s performances will help her secure a spot in the US squad this summer.
"To get my feet wet in this will really help me going to a World Cup and being the best for my team, Team USA," Maher said later. "It’s been so great, the team is literally so welcoming and it’s such a cool environment to learn in, so it’s the best team I could’ve chosen."
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