Rugby star Ilona Maher makes debut in front of record crowd

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.
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 Bristol Bears debut, Ilona Maher was whisked upstairs for a post-match press conference.
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.
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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.
Record crowd and fireworks herald Ilona Maher’s debut – here’s how she fared
The pre-match metallic fireworks that erupted into the sky was English rugby’s way of welcoming its latest superstar. Ilona Maher, the most followed rugby player on social media and now as a cult heroine in the sport,
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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.
Rugby star Ilona Maher draws record crowd for Bristol Bears debut
US superstar Ilona Maher made her rugby union debut for Bristol Bears at the weekend. The 28-year-old's presence brought a record crowd of 9,240 for a women's game at Ashton Gate stadium. Ilona has more than eight million followers across Instagram and TikTok, making her the world's most followed rugby union player.
Ilona Maher admits to nerves ahead of much-anticipated Bristol debut
Social media sensation Ilona Maher admitted that the nerves kicked in as she made her much-anticipated Bristol Bears debut in front of a record crowd. While second-half substitute Maher was unable to affect the result – a 40-17 Ashton Gate defeat against Premiership champions Gloucester-Hartpury – she still proved a huge hit.
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