Ilona Maher Debuts with Bristol Bears Rugby

Ilona Maher, the U.S. Olympic rugby bronze medallist, made her much-anticipated debut for the Bristol Bears in the Premiership Women's Rugby league, attracting a record crowd of 9,240 at Ashton Gate despite a 40-17 loss to Gloucester-Hartpury. Maher's transition to rugby 15s marks her first appearance in this format since the 2021 Olympics, where the U.S. team claimed bronze in sevens. Following her debut, Maher spent over an hour engaging with fans, showcasing her significant social media influence as the sport's most followed player. She emphasized her commitment to promoting rugby and the importance of showcasing more athletes to expand the sport's fanbase. Maher, who has also gained fame through appearances in Sports Illustrated and reality TV, aims to leverage her platform to uplift her teammates and grow the game. She expressed a positive outlook on learning from each game, reinforcing her determination to succeed in her new role.