Rugby, Bristol and Ilona Maher

Rugby star Ilona Maher makes her debut in front of record crowd for Bristol Bears
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.
Ilona Maher sprinkles her stardust on England – U.S. rugby icon’s new team has had to find a bigger home stadium
With over eight million social media followers and a Reese Witherspoon production following her, Maher is attracting a global audience
Ilona Maher making big impact on English rugby club Bristol after signing short-term deal
Maher will be "officially unveiled" to fans this weekend, and the Bristol Bears have already moved their Sunday game to a larger venue to accommodate more fans.
Ilona Maher's New Rugby Team Smashed Attendance Record in Her Debut
Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher made her Bristol Bears debut on Sunday and brought in a record number of fans. A record 9,420 fans were in attendance to watch Maher make her Premiership Women's Rugby league debut against defending champion Gloucester-Hartpury.
Rugby star Ilona Maher eyes Bristol debut as ticket sales break club record
Ticket sales have broken a record ahead of U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher making her debut for the Bristol Bears women’s team.
Ilona Maher 'was really nervous' for Bristol Bear debut, hopes to show fans the 'quality' of PWR
Ilona Maher admitted she was "really nervous" to make her Bristol Bears debut in a 40-17 defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury, but aims to show the "quality" of PWR.
US rugby star Ilona Maher draws record crowd on Bristol debut
The 28-year-old is the world’s most followed rugby player on Instagram and TikTok. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Ilona Maher hungrier than ever to promote rugby after Bears debut
Ilona Maher's mission to grow rugby is far from done, and while she admits she loves being a "superstar" of the game, the United States star said the sport desperately needs to showcase more athletes to help take rugby union to new fans and audiences.
Ilona Maher: U.S. Rugby Star's Impact on Premiership Debut
U.S. Olympic bronze medallist Ilona Maher debuted for Bristol Bears in a loss to Gloucester-Hartpury, drawing a record crowd to Ashton Gate stadium. Known for her massive social media following, Maher's popularity surged post-Olympics.
Ilona Maher set for Bristol debut in PWR final rematch in front of record crowd as ‘million dollar question’ will be answered
Social media sensation and USA rugby star Ilona Maher is set to make her Bristol Bears and Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) debut. In early December last year, Maher began her pursuit of making the USA Women’s team for the upcoming Rugby World Cup by signing a short-term deal with the Bears.
US Sevens star Ilona Maher set to make Bristol debut this weekend
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.
Traditional fans may dismiss Ilona Maher but she is what rugby needs
After spending over an hour and a half signing autographs and posing for selfies with fans inside Ashton Gate after her ...
Ilona Maher ‘loves being a superstar’ as Bristol signing looks to grow the game
Ilona Maher hopes she can inspire and elevate more players to superstar status in women’s rugby. Olympic sevens bronze ...
Rugby 'Superstar' Maher On A Mission To Promote Women's Game
American social media sensation Ilona Maher says she loves being a rugby "superstar" but hopes to raise the profile of fellow players in the women's game.
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Ilona Maher Declares 'First Day of School Vibes' as She Embarks on Major Career Change
There's no question that 2024 was a banner year for Ilona Maher, and 2025 is shaping up to be just as noteworthy. The Olympic ...