In front of a historic crowd at Ashton Gate, American rugby standout Ilona Maher marked her entry into the Bristol Bears women’s team.
U.S. rugby player Ilona Maher made her much-anticipated debut for the Bristol Bears women’s rugby team under the watchful eyes of a record 9,240 spectators. This turnout shattered the previous attendance record for a Bristol women’s home game, which was 4,101 against Harlequins in May 2022. The decision to relocate the match to Ashton Gate was driven by the overwhelming demand to witness Maher in action.
Despite Maher’s notable presence, Bristol Bears succumbed to a 40-17 defeat against the reigning champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, in a Premiership Women’s Rugby match. Coming on as a substitute in the 61st minute, with Bristol lagging at 28-10, Maher showcased her skills in a couple of rucks and operated off the wing. However, her time on the field, spanning just 20 minutes, was insufficient to alter the course of the match decisively.
The 28-year-old Maher joined the Bristol Bears on a three-month contract, having trained with the team since December. Her remarkable career includes leading the U.S. to a bronze medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Games and competing on “Dancing With The Stars,” where she was a runner-up. Boasting more than 8 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, she holds the title of the most-followed rugby player globally.
The Vermont native is determined to return to 15-a-side rugby to bolster her chances of joining the U.S. team for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. Known for her versatility, Maher can play both as a wing and a center. Her debut attracted significant attention, underscoring her potential impact on the sport’s landscape in the U.S.
Maher’s debut for Bristol Bears has not only broken attendance records but also highlighted her ambition to excel in 15-a-side rugby. As she continues her journey, her presence promises to leave a lasting impact on both the local and international rugby scenes.
Source: News4jax
