Vermont Public is independent, community-supported media, serving Vermont with trusted, relevant and essential information. We share stories that bring people together, from every corner of our region. New to Vermont Public? Start here.

© 2025 Vermont Public | 365 Troy Ave. Colchester, VT 05446

Public Files:
WVTI · WOXM · WVBA · WVNK · WVTQ
WVPR · WRVT · WOXR · WNCH · WVPA
WVPS · WVXR · WETK · WVTB · WVER
WVER-FM · WVLR-FM · WBTN-FM

For assistance accessing our public files, please contact hello@vermontpublic.org or call 802-655-9451.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Vermont Olympian Ilona Maher making big impact on UK rugby team after signing short-term deal

A woman runs while carrying a ball and stretching out an arm to keep another player away
Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi
/
Associated Press
United States' Ilona Maher fends off the tackle of Brazil's Gabriela Lima during the women's Pool C Rugby Sevens match between the United States and Brazil at the 2024 Summer Olympics, in the Stade de France, in Saint-Denis, France, Sunday, July 28.

BRISTOL, England (AP) — Hardly in need of an introduction, U.S. women's rugby player Ilona Maher will get one anyway when her new team in England presents the Olympic bronze medalist to fans.

Maher, who has nearly 8 million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok, signed with the Bristol Bears women's team this week and will be "officially unveiled" on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Maher, who helped lead the U.S. to the bronze medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Games, signed for Bristol on a three-month contract that starts in January.

More from Vermont Public: Vermont Olympian Ilona Maher returns to Burlington after winning bronze in women's rugby sevens

Maher's signing appears to have already boosted ticket sales. The Bears said Wednesday that due to " unprecedented demand," the game against Gloucester-Hartpury on Jan. 5 — Maher's first match — was switched from a smaller venue to Ashton Gate, which they only use for high-profile games. More than 1,000 tickets have been sold.

The Bears play the Exeter Chiefs in a Premiership Women's Rugby match on Saturday. Before it starts, Maher will participate in a Q&A session that the team called "a rare opportunity to hear from one of the biggest names in rugby." Maher will then deliver the match ball ahead of kickoff — also at Ashton Gate.

Maher, a runner-up on the Dancing With The Stars TV show, said she hopes the move will boost her chances of making the U.S. team for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.

More from Vermont Public: Vermont Olympian Ilona Maher places 2nd in 'Dancing with the Stars' finale

"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 alongside such a talented and driven group as the Bears," the Vermont native said in the team's announcement.

Maher, a back who can play at center and wing, is making the switch from sevens to the 15-a-side game.

"Ilona is one of the standout stars in the sevens game and we can't wait to see her play for Bears in XVs," Bears head coach Dave Ward said. "Her ability ball in hand will give our attack a new dimension and her desire to star in the Rugby World Cup in England next summer is a huge driving force for her to achieve great things at Bears."

Signing Maher was "a huge coup," Ward said.

"She is one of the biggest names in women's sport, let alone rugby," he said, "and we believe she will add real value to our program on and off the field."

The Associated Press is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers. AP is neither privately owned nor government-funded; instead, it's a not-for-profit news cooperative owned by its American newspaper and broadcast members.
Latest Stories