“About Time”: Ilona Maher Teases Major Return After DWTS Runner Up Finish

After clinching an Olympic bronze medal, Ilona Maher wanted to go down a path that didn’t involve her rugby skills. The 28-year-old had already made waves on social media with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok. But the Olympian decided to go after the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars. The rugby union star teamed up with professional dancer Alan Bersten, and the world fell in love with her all over again.

However, now that the show is done and dusted, what’s next on her plate? The Olympic bronze medalist had reiterated that she would always return to rugby. In fact, that’s where she feels her best and thrives. It’s safe to say Maher considers the sport her home. Yet, many fans hoped to see the 28-year-old on their TV screens after her DWTS stint. So, what did she finally decide on?

Illona Maher looking to make a triumphant comeback

On November 29, she surprised fans by posting a reel on her Instagram. Set to the sound of ABBA’s Lay All Your Love On Me, we see a few stills of her in action on the field, stitched together. However, her caption was an ode to her DWTS stint, “Do you think my new dancing skills will help?” Does this mean that the 28-year-old will be returning to rugby shortly? Ilona Maher might likely appear in the upcoming Premiership Women’s Rugby. 

While her caption was a cheeky nod, the Olympian teased fans with, “Is it about time I get back to the pitch?” Bracing for her much-awaited comeback, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) provided ‘governing body endorsement’ for the 28-year-old as she applied for a visa to play in England. This shouldn’t come as a surprise since Maher is well-established in Sevens. However, she did experience one minor roadblock. 

The rugby player has two caps for the USA XVs from 2021. While she wouldn’t ideally be allowed to play in the PWR under the ‘international sportsperson route’, the RFU thinks otherwise. Usually, she would have needed to play for the USA XVs side in the last 24 months. However, the endorsement criteria state that an applicant needs to be ‘internationally established [and] whose employment will significantly contribute to developing their sport at the highest level in the UK. On the other hand, this isn’t the only exciting thing she experienced.

Amid a stellar stint on DWTS, Illona Maher added another feather to her cap. The Olympian had an impressive season this year. Not only did she prove her mettle on the world’s grandest stage, but she also bagged the title of being one of the rugby icons. Recently, she was named in the Women’s Sevens Dream Team of the Year. However, she wasn’t the only one. Michaela Blyde, Madison Levi, Seraphine Okemba, Jorja Miller, and Olivia Apps joined her. But how did she fare at the DWTS Grand Finale? 

The 28-year-old didn’t walk away empty-handed from the ballroom floor

The Olympian surprised fans when she announced her contention on Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars. However, by the end of it, she proved to the naysayers why she was one of the most hyped participants. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten prepared two final routines for Tuesday’s episode – a freestyle and a redemption dance.

For the first performance, Ilona Maher put on a stunning routine to pay tribute to her rugby career and her time on the show to Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon”. Why did she pick that song, you ask? The 28-year-old stated that this was “for all the girls who see themselves in me.” The duo earned their first perfect score on the show, receiving tens from all three judges. As for the redemption dance? She was challenged to perform her jive number from the fourth round of DWTS. 

This dance was particularly challenging for the rugby player, who struggled with the fast-paced footwork back then. On the other hand, she put her best foot forward and performed the jive to Ray Charles & The Blues Brothers “Shake A Tail Feather.” After receiving three 9s for the dance, the duo scored a total of 114 out of 120, missing out on the Mirrorball by just three points. However, she didn’t walk away from the competition with a prize of her own. 

Even though DWTS has never announced their prize money, based on numerous reports, the rules state that contestants earn a signing bonus of $125,000, including the training. This figure was agreed upon after a reported pay cut in Season 28. But wait, there’s more! Apart from the initial bonus, they continue to earn incremental bonuses through the weeks. If contestants make it past week three and four, they can walk away with an additional $10,000. 

While they can make an additional 10K past week five and six, anything beyond that could potentially earn $30,000. However, the finalists could earn a whopping $50,000. Keeping this in mind, Ilona Maher has made approximately half a million dollars, or $235,000. In fact, she will also be one of the stars joining Dancing With the Stars. While she will be participating in the PWR, she’s currently in talks with both the Gloucester-Hartpury and Bristol Bears. Will you be watching?