U.S. rugby player Ilona Maher made her highly anticipated debut for the Bristol Bears women’s team, playing in front of a record-setting audience of 9,240 fans.
Ilona Maher, renowned for her substantial social media following, stepped onto the field at Ashton Gate amidst considerable anticipation. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding her first appearance, Bristol Bears faced a challenging match against defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury, ultimately succumbing to a 40-17 defeat. Entering the match as a substitute in the 61st minute with her team trailing 28-10, Maher’s efforts were commendable, though they did little to alter the course of the game in her brief 20-minute stint.
The attendance for this match set a new record for a Bristol women’s home game. The previous record was 4,101 during a game against Harlequins in May 2022. This increased interest and demand for seats led to the relocation of the match to a larger venue, Ashton Gate, underscoring the significant public interest in Maher’s first game.
Maher’s rugby career is notable, having played an instrumental role in the U.S. team’s success at the Paris Games, where they secured a bronze medal in rugby sevens. Her move to return to the 15-a-side format is seen as a strategic step towards solidifying her place in the U.S. squad for the upcoming 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.
Beyond the field, Maher is a popular figure on social media, boasting over 8 million followers across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Her diverse talents include being a runner-up on the television show “Dancing With The Stars.” These accomplishments contribute to her status as the most followed rugby player globally, a title that adds to the excitement surrounding her athletic career.
The Bristol Bears’ announcement of Maher’s three-month contract came after her initial training session with the team in December. She returned to the United States for the holidays before resuming preparations with Bristol. This player acquisition is pivotal for the Bears, reflecting their commitment to elevating the team’s competitive edge in the league.
Additionally, the match’s attendance was also significant in the context of Premiership Women’s Rugby. League-leading Harlequins recently set a women’s club rugby attendance record with 18,055 fans in December, though it was part of a doubleheader event with the men’s team.
Ilona Maher’s debut with the Bristol Bears was met with substantial public interest, reflecting her prominence both in rugby and beyond. While the team faced a tough opponent in Gloucester-Hartpury, the event marked a significant moment for women’s rugby, highlighting the growing popularity and support for the sport. Maher’s presence in the team is expected to boost her rugby profile as she looks forward to the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Source: Local10
