Ilona Maher has never been one to shy away from breaking boundaries, both on and off the field. Fans couldn’t wait to see what she’d do next after lighting up the dance floor on Dancing with the Stars. While the DWTS tour seemed the next logical move, Maher’s surprising choice has made everyone curious.

Even though the glitz and glamour of the Dancing with the Stars tour was tempting, Ilona Maher decided to follow her heart back to her true passion—rugby. The American star revealed she was focused on preparing for the sport with the Rugby World Cup approaching. Staying committed to rugby was more important to the 28-year-old athlete. She has bid DWTS goodbye.

Maher’s decision to skip the Dancing with the Stars tour came with a tinge of regret, as she reflected on the memorable moments spent with her professional dance partner, Alan Bersten. Alan and Ilona delivered spectacular performances ON DWTS. We sure do remember the pair’s perfect 30 out of 30 on the show’s freestyle performance! However, Maher realized that her heart was set on something else. Her dedication was visible, especially with the World Cup just around the corner.

Ilona Maher’s decision to prioritize rugby over the Dancing with the Stars tour wasn’t easy. She admitted to missing the experience, “I would love to do more, but it was important for me to go back to my passion of rugby.” “With the World Cup coming up next year, I wanted to prepare myself for that. And though I would love to have been [on tour] spending every day with Alan again, I need to also focus on what really brings me joy and what I think will move me forward and move the sport forward,” she added. This alone speaks volumes about Maher’s enviable dedication to the sport. After all, whatever Ilona Maher pursues, she will shine regardless!

Maher is ensuring that her legacy in rugby remains as impactful as her time on the dance floor. Her debut with the Bristol Bear was remarkable.

Ilona Maher’s debut sparks unprecedented fan frenzy at Ashton Gate

Ilona Maher’s debut with the Bristol Bears was one to remember. Nearly 10,000 spectators at Ashton Gate Stadium gathered for her match against Gloucester-Hartpury. The excitement surrounding her first appearance was enough to highlight her popularity. Everyone was eager to witness Maher’s presence on the field. She is ready to take the sport to new heights.

Her debut was not just about her power but also about the buzz that it had created. “I think you know to get 99100 people out there like that’s so cool. And that was a go of mine. It’s like, yeah! Okay, come out here to watch me play, but come more to see the level of rugby you’re going to see. Um, and then hopefully that brings them out when I’m not even playing,” she said. The 28-year-old’s words are testimony to her deep love for the sport. Ilona Maher hopes such passion for rugby resonates with her fans.

Maher’s incredible performance on the stage and the mat, her discipline, and her perseverance have bowled us over. We are so pumped to see what this talented 28-year-old has in store for us! We wish the incredible Ilona Maher the very best for everything she has planned for herself!