Aitchison States Maher is “Loving” Her Bristol Introduction

Fly-half Holly Aitchison has stated that new signing Ilona Maher has infused “so much energy” into a “giddy” Bristol Bears dressing room since her arrival at the club. Maher, an American Olympic bronze medallist, confirmed on Monday her intention to join the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) team for the remainder of the season starting in January, generating a “massive buzz” among Aitchison and her teammates in the dressing room. Aitchison commented, “It’s been really lovely to get her here, settle her in a bit and for everyone to get to know her.” “She’s a gorgeous girl in her own right – she’s been fab, she brings so much energy.” Aitchison noted that Maher is currently “just loving being around the girls. Everyone’s giddy, and rightly so. “She’s an icon and bigger than the sport right now. We need those people in our game, so everyone’s been a little bit silly.”” The USA team, featuring Ilona Maher, is scheduled to face host nation England in the opening fixture of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup. Maher is transitioning back to XVs rugby following a three-year period in sevens, during which she contributed to her country securing its inaugural Olympic medal in the discipline, achieved through a dramatic late victory against Australia in Paris in July. The 28-year-old, recognized as the most followed rugby union player globally on social media with 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million TikTok fans, has already made a positive impression on Ward and the team during training sessions. Aitchison stated, “I thought she would be a bit more jetlagged, if I’m honest,” adding, “I didn’t realise she was going to do so much.” “It was great – with the sevens, her core skills are so good, so it’s really easy for her to step in and understand what we’re doing.” “It’ll be a bit different when we come to the team sessions and she has to understand all the structures. That’ll be fun when she gets to that stuff and it’ll be more complicated.” “People are surprised, maybe, by how normal she is. She just takes everything in her stride – it doesn’t feel like you’ve got a massive celebrity in the room like she is. From what I gauge, she’s super-cool and super-chill.” Aitchison is a member of a squad currently positioned fourth, having secured victories in five of their initial seven league matches. Maher, recently the runner-up in the US primetime program Dancing with the Stars, is scheduled to greet supporters at Ashton Gate on Saturday, when Bristol will host league leaders Exeter Chiefs. The three-time Olympian has expressed a desire to participate in XVs international rugby at the upcoming World Cup in England and has previously competed against Aitchison during her sevens tenure with the USA Eagles. Aitchison remarked, “I played against her for a few years,” and continued, “She is a physical presence – that’s definitely her USP within the sevens circuit – but I was saying to the girls that you don’t realise how quick she is.” “That’s maybe the thing people miss: the blend she has of power and speed. It’s really exciting to see where that will fit in XVs.” Maher possesses numerous impressive attributes, allowing her to explore various positions. “She’s spoken about wing, centre and potentially having a dabble in the forwards. It’s about what she wants and where [head coach] Dave [Ward] sees her fitting in.” “You always look to bolster your squad in any way you can and she’s going to be a massive asset for us.” Maher’s on-field contributions and public profile have established her as a role model, leading to the relocation of her prospective debut match, scheduled for 5 January against current English champions Gloucester-Hartpury, to Ashton Gate, citing “unprecedented demand.” Ward has stressed that Maher’s participation in the game is contingent on her readiness, with her broader impact earning Aitchison’s admiration. The 2020 Olympian stated, “It’s been amazing to have her here,” adding, “She’s done so much for women’s sport and particularly rugby.” “It’s good to get more eyes on the game and a massive boost for the league. I love everything she stands for.” “I love how she’s empowering young girls and everyone in rugby. She knows exactly who she is and that’s something we can share views on.” “It’s been pretty cool and I’m looking forward to getting to know her better.”