Ilona Maher Debuts for Bristol Bears in Record Match

Ilona Maher made a highly anticipated debut for Bristol Bears in the women's Premiership, attracting a record crowd of 9,240 for a women's game, although the team suffered a 40-17 defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury. The American rugby star, who has over eight million followers on social media, played for 20 minutes after coming off the bench but could not significantly impact the match. Maher, who won Olympic bronze in rugby sevens, is looking to reacquaint herself with the 15s format to secure a spot on the USA squad for the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup in England. Her presence has already boosted Bristol's Instagram following from 21,000 to 67,000 and led to increased replica shirt sales. Maher is noted for her messages of body positivity and female empowerment, having previously gained fame as a runner-up on 'Dancing With The Stars'. Despite the loss, her debut has been celebrated as a landmark event for women's rugby.