Ilona Maher addresses her availability for Bristol Bears' upcoming game after suffering nose injury

Ilona Maher addressed her availability for the Bristol Bears' upcoming game against Trailfinders after suffering an injury at the Ashton Gate last weekend. The Olympic medalist was involved in a rough collision with three players and broke her nose.

Maher was not named in the 23-woman roster released by Bristol Bears for their game against Trailfinders on Saturday, January 25. The two-time Olympian addressed her absence in an Instagram story and said that while she would miss the game, she would be in the stands to cheer for the team.

"I won't be playing tomorrow 🙏 but I will be there supporting my girls," she said

Ilona Maher's Instagram story

Earlier in an interview with People, the 28-year-old said she needed a 'little more' rest before getting back on the field.

“Give it a little bit more time to rest, but then I'll be back out there," Ilona Maher said

Maher suffered the injury during her second full PWR game for the Bears against Leicester Tigers on January 18 after she collided with three players. The bronze medalist earlier made her debut off the bench against local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury but only played for 20 minutes as they lost 17-40.

The 28-year-old was at her best on full PWR debut against Exeter Chiefs and scored her maiden try and assist. Bears' won the game 41-31, and are standing 5th in the Premiership Women's Rugby table with eight wins in 12 matches.

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"I want to be the best player that Team USA needs" - Ilona Maher on reasons behind surprise move to English top-flight

Exeter Chiefs v Bristol Bears - Ilona Maher in action - Source: Getty

Ilona Maher has played Rugby Sevens for the majority of her career but surprisingly signed a three-month contract with Bristol Bears to play in the Premiership Womens Rugby. The American said her decision to shift to the Rugby 15s was aimed to prepare and get ready for the 2025 World Cup, which will also be played in the United Kingdom.

After playing in a few games for the Bears, the 28-year-old is feeling good and said she wanted to become the best player that Team USA deserved.

“I think it's just good to get back into 15s because I've been playing Sevens for six years, so I wanted to go somewhere where I can really immerse myself and really see the game in that way and feel it out. Because if I want to pursue this World Cup thing, I want to be the best player that Team USA needs or that they deserve.”

Maher has impressed with the USA Rugby sevens team over the years and led them to a maiden bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She scored tries in all three of the team's group-stage matches.