RFU Endorses Ilona Maher’s Visa Application for Premiership Women’s Rugby

American Olympic bronze medallist and sevens standout, Ilona Maher, may feature in this season’s Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) confirmed its support for her visa application. Maher has been associated with potential moves to Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury. This development is considered a significant gain for England’s premier women’s rugby competition, as Maher is recognized as rugby union’s most followed social media personality, boasting 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million on TikTok. The RFU informed BBC Sport that it granted ‘governing body endorsement’ for Maher, backing her visa application to compete in England. While her future club remains unconfirmed, reports indicate she has engaged in discussions with both Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury. The 28-year-old, who recently secured the runner-up position in the US edition of “Strictly Come Dancing,” known as “Dancing with the Stars,” is now poised to potentially join a club and restart her XVs career in anticipation of the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Last Friday, Maher hinted at her return to rugby by sharing a highlights reel on her Instagram account, accompanied by the subtitled question: “Is it about time I get back to the pitch?” Maher is a recognized figure in sevens rugby but has only earned two caps for the USA XVs team, both in 2021. Typically, her eligibility to play in the PWR via the ‘international sportsperson route’ would be restricted, as this pathway generally necessitates having played for the USA XVs side within the preceding 24 months. Nevertheless, the RFU stated to BBC Sport: “The RFU provided the governing body endorsement for Ilona Maher in support of her visa application to play in England.” The RFU further elaborated on its criteria, stating: “Our governing body endorsement criteria provides that any applicants need to be ‘internationally established [and] whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK’. The criteria provided a route for entry at the time of the application.” In an exclusive statement to BBC Sport, PWR chair Genevieve Shore confirmed Maher’s potential to play in the PWR this season. Shore commented: “We want the best players in the world playing in the PWR, I think the RFU sound like they’ve made a good decision.” As a two-time Olympian, she contributed to the USA sevens team’s bronze medal win at the 2024 Paris Games. The 2024-25 sevens series has commenced in Dubai, with the USA Sevens squad competing without Maher, who has indicated her intention to concentrate on XVs in 2025, with the goal of participating in the Rugby World Cup in England. While no PWR club has yet announced Maher’s signing, securing her would be considered a generational acquisition for any team. Her widespread popularity, both within and beyond rugby union, is anticipated to significantly increase match attendances wherever she plays. Furthermore, her international appeal is expected to extend beyond her club affiliation, likely leading to a rise in TV viewing figures in conjunction with her substantial social media presence. She has previously modeled for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, using the platform to advocate for strong, healthy women to embrace positive body image. Her hashtag “#beastbeautybrains” aptly encapsulates the diverse spheres she navigates with both effortless grace and global recognition. Looking ahead to the women’s Rugby World Cup in England next August, where the Red Roses are scheduled to open the tournament against the USA Eagles, Maher’s potential breakthrough in XVs would represent highly strategic planning.