Ilona Maher, the US rugby sevens star, has been selected for the Eagles squad, marking her return to 15-a-side rugby after playing successfully in England with Bristol Bears. Aiming for a spot in the World Cup later this year, Maher has made significant strides since her Olympic bronze medal success. Head coach Sione Fukofuka praised the competitiveness of the squad. Despite juggling numerous commitments, including endorsements and reality TV, Maher remains a prominent figure in rugby, recently being compared to legendary star Jonah Lomu.
Now 28, the native Vermonter shone at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut then became a mainstay of the US women's sevens team that won spectacular bronze at the Olympic Games in Paris last year.
We have real competition for positions and a strong core playing group with some x-factor. Maher's x-factor is well known.
At times I feel like I'm being wrung dry, because rugby is trying to get as much out of me as possible.
Such has been Maher's impact, the Daily Telegraph last week dubbed her Rugby's biggest star since Jonah Lomu.
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