Maher won bronze at the Paris Olympics last summer as part of the USA side and joined Bristol to switch back to playing XVs ahead of the World Cup in August.

She said her focus now for the next few months will be to continue playing, with the American Eagles facing Australia and New Zealand in May as part of the Pacific Four Series.

"We start with the Pac Four with USA 15s and I hope I've proven myself in this space to vie for a roster spot in the USA team and I hope I'll be selected for that," Maher said.

"It'll be a lot of continuing to learn the game and put myself in the position to make a roster for the World Cup but also be the best player I can be in the World Cup."

Bristol head coach Dave Ward and assistant coach Tom Luke were instrumental in bringing Maher to England and she said she was now a "Bear for life".

"I'm proud to have been part of this team, a special programme they have here," Maher said.

"The girls were so welcoming and made me part of the team and I got to play with some of England's best players and Wales and Scottish, so it just set me up to be more successful at the World Cup.

"I'll be playing against them - I wish I was playing with them but it was amazing."