Ilona Maher (USA) has received official PWR backing from Genevieve Shore, the chair, for a visa application that would allow her to join one of its clubs.
The two thought likeliest are Gloucester-Hartpury and Bristol Bears, who sit third and fourth in the league table at present. Of course it’s perfectly possible that other clubs are equally keen on gaining her signature.
The news has been greeted with glee by many. They point to her unrivalled popularity on TikTok and Instagram, where her followers outnumber most other world-famous sports stars. They see her appearance as a sure way of raising the PWR’s profile, increasing attendances and TV ratings.
Her acceptance would mark a first in the brief history of the reformed English league, as a celebrity rather than a player pure and simple. Technically it seemed her application would have to be rejected, since she hadn’t played 15s for the Eagles since 2021, gaining only two caps. But Shore has indicated wordings in the regulations that make such a move possible, not least because of the positives her presence would bring.
It was Maher’s stated wish to join the PWR to enhance her chances of finding a place in the Eagles’ squad to contest the World Cup next year. Her rugby career had been spent almost exclusively in Sevens, where she helped the USA win a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
It’s intriguing to note the speed with which Shore has responded to the news. Other more urgent matters, like the 10-year strategy, are not receiving such immediate attention. And the influx of NEQPs continues unabated.
Negotiations
No doubt we will soon be hearing the results of any talks going on in private somewhere in the west country.
Against the advantages mentioned above, club managements would have to wrestle with other more mundane matters:
Would Maher prove the hoped-for asset in the hurly-burly of a 15s match? How long would it take her to acquire the very different skills needed in the long format? What would be the effect on the rest of the squad? – delight at having one of the most recognisable figures in world sport alongside them, or annoyance that a respected team-mate would have to give way to an ambitious raw recruit?
The head coach would even have to figure out the most sensible position for her to adopt; not a straightforward matter.
Visa
The last stumbling-block would a refusal of her visa application. That seems less than likely. It’s hard to judge at this distance what the reaction of the incumbent or the future USA President might be to such a snub.
Prospects
For the moment TV viewers wishing to see Maher dancing again may be frustrated. On the other hand there could be endless queues of starry-eyed youngsters hoping for a selfie or an autograph. Ellie Kildunne would have real competition, though off the field rather than on it.
