Watching Ilona Maher and the Bristol Bears Women promises to be one of the highlights of the 2024–2025 Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season.
In December, Maher signed a three-month contract to play for the Bears during the second half of the PWR campaign. This move positions the USA Eagles star and social media sensation as a key figure in Bristol’s domestic aspirations. It also sets Maher on a productive path ahead of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
After helping the United States secure bronze in rugby sevens at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Maher aims to transition her sevens prowess to the XVs format. Her arrival at Bristol not only strengthens the Bears but also draws attention to women’s rugby ahead of two notable events: the 2025 World Cup and the launch of Women’s Elite Rugby (WER), the U.S. pro league debuting in March.
Want more TV sports coverage?
Subscribe to CableTV.com’s email newsletter for the latest event viewing guides, entertaining takes, and money-saving promotions.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.
What channel shows Bristol Bears Women games?
Unfortunately, not all PWR matches are televised—especially in the U.S. But you can watch select Bristol Bears Women games on The Rugby Network, the PWR YouTube channel (dubbed PWR TV), and the Bristol Bears YouTube channel. All matches that appear live on each platform are also available for on-demand streaming afterward.
Pro tip: Fans in the U.K. can catch some Bears matches on TNT Sports, Discovery+, and BBC iPlayer. Only one PWR match per week appears on TV in England, and international viewers will need a VPN to watch any of those broadcasts.
2024–2025 Bristol Bears Women schedule
The 2024–2025 Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) season promises an action-packed schedule. All nine teams face off twice in a home-and-away format across 20 competitive rounds. That gives each side two byes, with the Bears’ byes coming in Rounds 2 and 18.
Kicking off with a challenging away match against the Loughborough Lightning, the Bears aim to build momentum in what many predict to be the most competitive PWR season yet. Explore the complete schedule below to stay ahead of the action.
| Day | Opponent | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, Oct. 5 | At Loughborough Lightning | 10:00 a.m. | — |
| Saturday, Oct. 19 | Saracens | 7:00 a.m. | TRN+ |
| Saturday, Oct. 26 | At Sale Sharks | 2:00 p.m. | — |
| Friday, Nov. 1 | Harlequins | 2:00 p.m. | — |
| Saturday, Nov. 9 | At Leicester Tigers | 7:00 a.m. | — |
| Staruday, Nov. 23 | Trailfinders | 9:00 a.m. | — |
| Saturday, Nov. 30 | At Gloucester-Hartpury | 9:00 a.m. | — |
| Saturday, Dec. 7 | Exeter Chiefs | Postponed | — |
| Sunday, Dec. 15 | Sale Sharks | 9:00 a.m. | — |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | At Saracens | 9:00 a.m. | YouTube |
| Sunday, Jan. 5 | Gloucester-Hartpury | 7:45 a.m. | TRN+ |
| Sunday, Jan. 12 | At Exeter Chiefs | 10:00 a.m. | TRN+ |
| Saturday, Jan. 18 | Leicester Tigers | 8:00 a.m. | TRN+ |
| Saturday, Jan. 25 | At Trailfinders | 7:00 a.m. | TBA |
| Saturday, Feb. 1 | Loughborough Lightning | 9:00 a.m. | TBA |
| Friday, Feb. 14 | At Harlequins | 2:30 p.m. | TBA |
Data effective as of post date.
How to watch Bristol Bears Women FAQ
Where can I watch Premiership Women’s Rugby in the US?
In the U.S., select Premiership Women’s Rugby matches stream on The Rugby Network and the league’s YouTube channel.
What TV channels carry women’s rugby?
Women’s rugby appears on various channels and streaming platforms in the U.S., depending on the league and tournament. FOX Soccer Plus, The Rugby Network, FloRugby, and Peacock typically show the most rugby coverage year-round, alongside standard CBS Sports, FOX Sports, ESPN, and NBC Sports channels.
Where do Bristol Bears Women play at home?
Bristol Bears Women play home matches at Shaftesbury Park and Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, England.
Why you should trust us
Our sports experts created this guide by thoroughly researching the Bristol Bears Women’s Premiership Women’s Rugby schedule and broadcast details. We verified TV and streaming availability through official channels and analyzed the best viewing options for fans in the U.S.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
