World Cup selection drives US sevens star Maher's move to Bristol

American rugby sevens star Ilona Maher will join 15-a-side club Bristol in January in a bid to play in next year's women's Rugby World Cup, the English club announced on Monday.

Maher, 28, helped the USA to a bronze medal at this summer's Olympic Games in Paris and is the sport's most popular player on social media.

"This is a huge coup to be able to bring Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears on a short-term deal," Bristol head coach Dave Ward said.

"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."

Last week Maher finished second on US television show "Dancing with the Stars", and she was on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition in July.

Maher has signed a three-month deal with Bristol ahead of the World Cup, which starts in England in August.

She made her 15-a-side debut for the USA in 2021.

"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," Maher said in a club statement.

Bristol's first game next month is on 4 January against local rivals and Premiership Women's Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury, in a repeat of last season's final.