WWE

Ilona Maher Shines on Bristol Bears Debut Despite Defeat, Breaking Records and Inspiring Fans

January, 11, 2025-12:59

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Ilona Maher Shines on Bristol Bears Debut Despite Defeat, Breaking Records and Inspiring Fans

Ilona Maher admitted to feeling the nerves ahead of her highly anticipated Bristol Bears debut, but the American rugby star still left a lasting impact on and off the field. The 28-year-old, who entered as a second-half substitute, couldn’t change the outcome of the match — a 40-17 loss to Premiership champions Gloucester-Hartpury — but she captivated a record crowd and proved a huge hit.

With over 8 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, Maher is the world’s most followed rugby player, and her presence at Ashton Gate attracted a record-breaking 9,240 spectators for a women’s rugby match. After her 20-minute cameo on the pitch, Maher spent over an hour signing autographs and taking photos, with some fans even traveling from Kentucky and Washington to see her.

"I was definitely very nervous," Maher confessed. "But I wanted to make my teammates proud and show I deserved to be out there. Once I got on the field, I felt like, 'OK, this is rugby.' It’s something I’ve been doing for the last 10 years; it’s in my blood."

While Maher’s side struggled in the match, she made her presence felt in the rucks and looked for work on the wing. Having won Olympic Sevens bronze with the United States in Paris, Maher was reacquainting herself with the 15-a-side format for the first time since 2021. She aims to secure a spot in the USA squad for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this year.

"Sevens is a battle, and 15s is a war. It was tough out there," Maher said. "I’m just trying to watch, understand, and learn as I go. Losing teaches you a lot, but it also fuels you for the next game."

Since Maher’s signing, Bristol Bears’ Instagram following has surged from 21,000 to 67,000, highlighting her influence beyond the game. Known for her body positivity messages, sense of humor, and being a runner-up on Dancing with the Stars, Maher has become a powerful ambassador for women's sports.

Reflecting on the crowd and her mission to promote women’s rugby, Maher said, "To get 9,240 people out there, that’s so cool. You can see the level of women’s rugby getting better every year. It’s really important to connect with the fans. They’re not just the next generation of players, but also the next generation of fans."

As Maher continues her three-month stay in the West Country, her influence is already undeniable, both in the stands and on social media.