Ilona Maher admits to nerves ahead of much-anticipated Bristol debut - The social media sensation played her part in attracting a record crowd to Ashton Gate.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher has made her debut for the Bristol Bears women’s team in front of a record home crowd of 9,240.

The pre-match metallic fireworks that erupted into the sky was English rugby’s way of welcoming its latest superstar. Ilona Maher, the most followed rugby player on social media and now as a cult heroine in the sport,

Ticket sales have broken a record ahead of U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher making her debut for the Bristol Bears women’s team.

Ilona Maher said there were nerves ahead of her Bristol Bears debut but believes she has taken a step forward in adjusting to the full-sided format of rugby.

From the Olympics to DWTS to Ashton Gate Stadium, Ilona Maher is on a roll. The American Bronze Medalist has signed a three-month contract with the Bristol Bears ahead of the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Maher kicks off her Bears journey with a match against reigning Premiership Women’s Rugby champions Gloucester-Hartpury this Sunday,

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher made her debut for the Bristol Bears women's team in front of a record home crowd of 9,240 fans on Sunday. But Maher, "the most followed rugby player on the planet,” could not prevent Bristol from losing 40-17 to defending champion Gloucester-Hartpury in a Premiership Women’s Rugby match.