Ilona Maher returns to Eagles Sevens squad for New Zealand preseason tournament

Ilona Maher is set to make her return to rugby this weekend after USA Women’s Eagles Sevens head coach Emilie Bydwell named her in a 15-player squad for an invitational preseason tournament in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

The social media’s most-followed rugby player has not appeared on the pitch since the USA’s final Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 pool match against Samoa. Her inclusion signals a full return to sevens competition as the Eagles begin building toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Maher was central to the USA team that claimed bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics and will be among the players Bydwell looks to as the programme targets gold at LA28.

In Mount Maunganui, the Eagles will face Australia, Japan, France, Fiji, and a New Zealand Development side — a stern test of where the squad stands after what Bydwell described as eight weeks of intensive preparation.

“We’ve had eight very productive training weeks, focused 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,” Bydwell said.

“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.”

Bydwell also highlighted squad depth as a key priority for the season ahead. “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 in the overall standings and fourth at the HSBC SVNS World Championship events, including a runner-up finish in Valladolid.

Kristi Kirshe captains the preseason squad, which also includes Ariana Ramsey, Autumn Czaplicki, Autumn LoCicero, Erica Coulibaly, Fane Tausinga, Kayla Canett, Lilly Thomas, Nalu Liufau, Rachel Strasdas, Sammy Sullivan, Sariah Ibarra, Sereana Vulaono, and Su Adekoke.