Ilona Maher has opened up on why she stepped away from rugby at the height of her popularity, while confirming she is now eager to pull her boots back on and return to the sport.
The USA international became one of rugby's biggest global stars following the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she helped the Eagles claim a historic bronze medal before enjoying a successful spell with Bristol Bears and representing the United States at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.
Since then, Maher has focused on television appearances, modelling, her hugely successful podcast and a string of commercial partnerships, but insists her time away from the game has only strengthened her desire to return.
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Ilona Maher eager to get back on the pitch
Speaking to People, Maher admitted she is looking forward to returning to a more familiar routine after months away from elite rugby.
"I'm excited to get back to rugby and have some normalcy," she said.
The 28-year-old explained that the whirlwind following her Olympic success took her in a different direction, but rugby has always remained at the centre of her plans.
"I've had this amazing opportunity to do so many things because of rugby," Maher said. "Now I'm excited to slip back into my jersey and step into my cleats."
Why Maher stepped away
Rather than walking away permanently, Maher's break came after an extraordinary period in which she became one of the most recognisable faces in world rugby.
Her Olympic exploits catapulted her into mainstream fame, leading to appearances on Dancing with the Stars, magazine covers, television interviews and major sponsorship deals.
The relentless schedule meant rugby temporarily took a back seat, with Maher admitting she is now looking forward to the structure and routine that elite sport provides.
Los Angeles 2028 firmly in her sights
Although Maher has yet to announce exactly when she will return to competitive action, all signs point towards a comeback with the USA Sevens programme as preparations begin for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
USA Women's Eagles Sevens head coach Jack Hanratty recently revealed the squad expects Maher to ease her way back into the programme over the coming months.
With a home Olympics just two years away, Maher's return would be a huge boost for USA Rugby as they look to build on their historic bronze medal success in Paris.
For fans, the message is clear: Ilona Maher's time away from rugby was never the end of the story—it was simply a pause before the next chapter.
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