BRISTOL, England — Ticket sales have reached unprecedented levels as U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher prepares to make her debut with the Bristol Bears women’s team.
Despite the excitement surrounding her arrival, the Olympic bronze medalist will start the game on the bench when the Bears compete against the defending champions, Gloucester-Hartpury, on Sunday. The match has been moved from a smaller location to Ashton Gate due to high demand for tickets.
Bristol’s matchday lineup, released on Friday, features the 28-year-old Maher, who only returned to England on New Year’s Day. Before the lineup announcement, Maher expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, urging fans to brave the cold to support an exciting game of rugby.
Maher, who played a pivotal role in helping the U.S. secure a bronze medal in rugby sevens during the Paris Games, recently signed a three-month contract with the Bears starting this week. She initially began training with Bristol in December, prior to her return to the United States for the holiday season.
The addition of Maher, recognized as the “most followed rugby player in the world,” has significantly lifted ticket sales for the match. This Sunday, nearly 8,000 fans are anticipated to attend, shattering the previous record of 4,101 set during a match against Harlequins in May 2022.
With over 8 million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok, Maher gained further fame as a runner-up on the popular television show “Dancing With The Stars.” The native of Vermont is transitioning back to the 15-a-side format to enhance her chances of being selected for the U.S. team in the upcoming 2025 Rugby World Cup in England, where she is capable of playing both wing and center positions.
Currently ranked fifth in the league, Bristol previously fell to Gloucester-Hartpury with a score of 36-24 in last season’s title contest. According to Bears coach Dave Ward, having a large crowd on Sunday will be immensely beneficial.
“For the players to run out in front of that many fans, I believe it could have a positive impact,” Ward remarked. “The noise could be an inspiring factor, helping us maintain momentum whether we are attacking or defending.”
In a separate competition, league leaders Harlequins set a notable attendance record for women’s club rugby on December 28, where 18,055 spectators witnessed their team triumph over Leicester Tigers 42-17 at Twickenham Stadium. This event was part of a doubleheader match alongside the Harlequins men’s team.
