"So much room here to grow"- Ilona Maher explains her interest in joining PWR after being signed by Bristol Bears

American rugby union player Ilona Maher recently gave an insight into her eagerness to join the Premiership Women's Rugby League. This comes just a day after Maher joined PWR side Bristol Bears following a successful bronze medal-winning 2024 Paris Olympics campaign.

The 28-year-old has been out of touch with rugby since the quadrennial event as she has been busy competing in the popular American dance competition television series "Dancing With the Stars". On the eve of her return to the rugby field, the Vermont native shared her thought process behind joining the PWR.

In an interview for the Bristol Bears' YouTube channel, Maher stated that she has been interested in the concept and rebranding of PWR for a long time. She also added that this league will help her develop and grow significantly as a person and a rugby player. She said (at 00:46):

"For years now I have been really interested in the PWR. I loved the rebranding last year and what they're trying to do with it. I think there's so much room here to grow and to improve as a player and a person."

She further stated:

"I know a lot of my teammates or opponents on the series who play for these teams and speak so highly of it. So I'm really excited to actually get to experience it myself."

Ilona Maher's side, Bristol Bears, are fourth in the PWR table with 5 wins out of 7 matches. They are currently on a two-match winning streak in which they defeated Gloucester Hartpury 19-14 and Ealing Trailfinders Women 26-7. Their next clash will see them go up against Exeter Chiefs on 7th December.

Ilona Maher shares first glimpses wearing the Bristol Bears jersey

Maher bearing jersey no.2 of the United States during the sixth day of the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Image via: Getty Images)

Ilona Maher recently shared the first glimpse of herself clad in the Bristol Bears' iconic blue-white jersey.

Maher took to her Instagram handle to share a video of herself wearing the Bristol Bears jersey. In the video, Maher also expressed her excitement towards joining her new team and playing in a new league. Maher said in the video:

"I am so excited to join the Bristol Bears and play Premiership Women's rugby with and against some of the best rugby players in the world."

Ilona Maher is set to take to the field for her new team in January when they take on Gloucester Hartpury. This is also the first time Maher will be playing in the Rugby Fifteens format after 2021.