NEWS NOW: Ilona Maher Sprinkles Her Stardust on England – U.S. Rugby Icon’s New Team Has Had to Find a Bigger Home Stadium
NEWS NOW: Ilona Maher Sprinkles Her Stardust on England – U.S. Rugby Icon’s New Team Has Had to Find a Bigger Home Stadium
LONDON, ENGLAND — In a stunning twist of fate that has electrified the rugby world, U.S. rugby superstar Ilona Maher has officially made the move across the pond, signing with England’s premier women’s rugby team, the London Valkyries. The announcement has sent shockwaves through both sides of the Atlantic, as Maher’s influence on the pitch is expected to take English rugby to new heights. In response to the increased demand, the Valkyries have already had to upgrade their stadium to accommodate the surge in fan interest.
Maher, one of the most celebrated athletes in women’s rugby and a key player for Team USA, has made a name for herself with her powerful play, leadership, and undeniable charisma. Known for her electrifying performances on the international stage, Maher’s move to the Valkyries marks a new chapter in her illustrious career, and the buzz surrounding her arrival is palpable.
“I’m beyond excited to join the Valkyries and take on a new challenge in England,” Maher said in a press conference earlier today. “The passion for rugby here is unmatched, and I’m looking forward to bringing my energy to this incredible team. I hope to contribute to the Valkyries’ success and help grow the sport on both sides of the Atlantic.”
The signing of Maher has been described as a game-changer, not just for the London Valkyries, but for women’s rugby as a whole. The Valkyries, a team with a storied history in the Premier 15s league, have seen their fan base explode in recent days. To accommodate the swelling crowds, the club has already secured a deal to move their home games to the larger and more iconic Twickenham Stoop, the home stadium of Harlequins Rugby Club, which can hold over 14,000 spectators—nearly double the capacity of the Valkyries’ former stadium.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding Ilona’s arrival,” said Valkyries head coach Sarah Harris. “It’s clear that her star power transcends borders, and we’re thrilled to have her on our team. Moving to Twickenham Stoop is a necessary step as we prepare for what we anticipate will be a historic season.”
Maher’s arrival also brings a new wave of attention to the women’s game in England, a country that has long been a powerhouse in global rugby. Her athleticism, leadership, and strong fan following have already ignited discussions about the future growth of the women’s game, particularly in terms of visibility and commercial interest. Many expect Maher’s presence to help elevate the Premier 15s league’s profile, attracting new sponsors and fans alike.
While the move to England is a bold one, it is also a culmination of Maher’s journey as a global rugby icon. Having previously starred in the World Cup and international tours with the U.S. women’s national team, she’s now set to tackle one of the world’s most competitive rugby environments.
“This is a huge moment not just for me, but for women’s rugby around the world,” Maher added. “Rugby has given me so much, and I can’t wait to give back to the sport and inspire the next generation of players.”
Her signing also brings a sense of excitement and anticipation as the Valkyries prepare to defend their position at the top of the Premier 15s standings. With Maher’s experience and leadership, the team is poised to take on the league with renewed vigor.
As the Valkyries head into the 2025 season, the rugby world is watching closely, eager to see how Maher will shape the future of English rugby—and how her stardust will help lead her new team to glory.
