BRISTOL, England — Ilona Maher, a prominent figure in U.S. rugby, is poised to make her inaugural start for the Bristol Bears this upcoming Sunday against the Exeter Chiefs.
The 28-year-old athlete played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal for the United States in rugby sevens at the recent Paris Games, and she has now been named as a winger in the starting roster that was revealed on Friday, indicating her second outing in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league in England.
Last week, Maher came off the bench during Bristol’s match against defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury, which resulted in a 40-17 defeat. She entered the game about an hour in, marking her first foray back into the 15-a-side format since 2021.
Since Maher’s entry into the team, ticket sales have surged, with her debut match drawing a record crowd of 9,240 spectators at Ashton Gate, which stands as the highest attendance for a women’s team in Bristol’s history.
Although Exeter has yet to disclose specific attendance figures, they have indicated that Sunday’s clash at Sandy Park is expected to attract their largest home crowd of the season.
With over 8 million followers combined on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, Maher is recognized as the most followed rugby player in the world.
Furthermore, she gained additional fame as a runner-up on the popular television show “Dancing With The Stars.”
Originally from Vermont, Maher’s return to the 15-a-side rugby scene is driven by her aspiration to strengthen her candidacy for a spot on the U.S. team for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. She has the versatility to play either as a wing or a center.
Last week’s match marked her first appearance in the 15-a-side format since her last game in 2021.