Is superstar Ilona Maher joining the PWR?

Ilona Maher is one of the biggest rugby stars on the planet right now and she is reportedly moving her spotlight to England’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR).

Reports around Maher potentially moving to the PWR emerged last month. It is thought Maher, who has become a global star after going viral during the Olympics, is likely to join either Bristol or Gloucester-Hartpury.

The news, first reported by the Telegraph, has received a largely positive response. Maher would bring eyes to the English top-flight and it would also give her more experience in the 15s game as she targets a spot on the US squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.

She has said about the prospect of playing in next year’s tournament: “This World Cup is going to take place in England and England loves their rugby and it is going to be a party, I have no doubt. I’ll try to be there. I’m going to try to make that team, see if they can use me somewhere on that field.

“This is going to be so fun so keep eyes out on this. There’ll be games happening all over this year for you to watch and cheer and might be close to you so go check it out.”

It is understood the star, who has played on the wing in 15s but has previously said she would like to try the backrow, would only join the league for a few months though. Maher is currently competing on Dancing with the Stars in America and the PWR season ends in March. So it’s likely she would join a club in December or January, meaning she would only play for two-three months.

Rugby Dump has been doing some digging to see if the reports are true. Both Bristol and Gloucester-Hartpury have not commented on the rumours but have also not denied talks have happened either. Rugby Dump have also heard from a source that talks have taken place with Bristol but confirmation on whether a deal has been done is yet to be seen.

If Maher joins the PWR it would be a good thing for the league as more people would be writing and talking about the top-flight. It could even see bigger crowds at games where she would be playing because more casual fans will want to see her play.

Maher, who won Olympic bronze in sevens at the 2024 Paris Games, is the most followed rugby player in the world on social media. At the time of writing, the 28-year-old has 4.3 million followers on Instagram.

Bosses will be hoping the RWC success will trickle down into the PWR but Maher joining could kickstart more progression just under a year before the tournament starts.