Ilona Maher’s return to rugby is just around the corner after she was named for a preseason training tour of New Zealand.

USA Women’s Eagles Sevens head coach Emilie Bydwell included Maher in the 15-player squad that will compete at an invitational tournament in Mount Maunganui this weekend.

The most-followed rugby player on social has not been seen on the pitch since the USA Women’s Eagles final pool game of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 against Samoa.

Maher was a core part of the team that claimed a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and is sure to have an eye on LA28.

This weekend the Eagles will come up against Australia, Japan, France, Fiji and a New Zealand Development team.

Emilie Bydwell, USA Women’s Eagles Sevens head coach, said: “We’ve had eight very productive training weeks, focussed on building the technical and physical capabilities to play the version of ‘Street Ball’ we believe will move us closer to earning the right to call ourselves gold medal contenders.

“This competition is a critical checkpoint to measure our progress against world-class opposition. We are focused on storm-proofing our performance – deepening our understanding of the game so we can recognise what’s needed and adapt under pressure. To do that, we have to hunt discomfort and put ourselves in situations that test us, stretch us and give us opportunities to learn and grow in meaningful ways.

“Another priority this season is to intentionally build squad capability and depth. We’re developing each player’s strengths to maximise what we can achieve collectively, helping players understand what makes them unique and how they can bring that to their role.”

Last season on the HSBC SVNS Series, the USA finished third on the overall rankings and finished fourth [due to points difference] after three HSBC SVNS World Championship events. This included second place in Valladolid.

USA Women’s Eagles Sevens preseason tour squad

Ariana Ramsey
Autumn Czaplicki
Autumn LoCicero
Erica Coulibaly
Fane Tausinga
Ilona Maher
Kayla Canett
Kristi Kirshe – Captain
Lilly Thomas
Nalu Liufau
Rachel Strasdas
Sammy Sullivan
Sariah Ibarra
Sereana Vulaono
Su Adekoke