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.

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. Olympic bronze medallist Ilona Maher made her debut for Premiership Women's Rugby side Bristol Bears in a 40-17 loss to Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday, with a record crowd of 9,240 in attendance at Ashton Gate stadium.

The 28-year-old is the world’s most followed rugby player on Instagram and TikTok. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Bristol Bears lost at home to Gloucester-Hartpury in their opening match of 2025, as Ilona Maher made her debut for the hosts from the bench.

Club remain tight-lipped about whether American superstar will play against local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday

New Bristol Bears signing Ilona Maher is to make her debut from the bench on Sunday for their PWR match against Gloucester-Hartpury.

US SEVENS STAR Ilona Maher is set for her Bristol Bears debut after being named on the bench for Gloucester-Hartpury’s visit to Ashton Gate on Sunday. Maher, who has become a social media sensation with 3.