RFU opens door for Maher to play in the PWR

NEWS: The sports’ most followed player, Ilona Maher, is set for a move to England where she will be available to play in the Women’s Premiership (PWR) after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) supported her visa application.

The RFU confirmed the endorsement to BBC Sport which will pave the way for her move to an English club still to be announced.

This means the American Olympic bronze medallist could appear in this season’s Premiership.

The Sevens star is the most followed social media star in rugby union, with 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million followers on TikTok.

She has reportedly been in talks with both Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury.

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten react to their 2nd place #DWTS finish, and she reveals the lesson she’s taking away! 👏❤️@officialdwts pic.twitter.com/EtmY0ZiHYG

— ExtraTV (@extratv) November 27, 2024

Maher and her partner Alan Burston recently finished runner-up in the US version of Strictly Come Dancing – Dancing with the Stars.

She has opted to skip the Sevens Series for the USA that kicks off in Dubai this weekend as she is focused on resuming her XVs career ahead of the 2025 World Cup.

The two-time Olympian helped the USA sevens team to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Games.