EXETER, England — American rugby player Ilona Maher marked an impressive debut start for the Bristol Bears with a remarkable performance, scoring a try in their 41-31 win against the Exeter Chiefs on Sunday.

Maher showcased her strength and speed by sprinting over half the field and breaking through two tackles to score in the 55th minute. This match was only her second in the Premiership Women’s Rugby league in England.

Reflecting on her performance, Maher expressed gratitude for her teammates, saying, “My teammates did the work to put me through and I had to get through a couple of defenders. I thought ‘Oh, this is sevens!’ I don’t go around them, always go through … Now it’s going to be figuring out when I have three people in front of me, how do I get through them?”
The 28-year-old athlete, originally from Vermont, previously contributed to the U.S. team earning a bronze medal in rugby sevens at the recent Paris Games. This transition back to the 15-a-side format is strategic for Maher, as she aims to strengthen her chances of being selected for the U.S. squad at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. Her versatility allows her to play both wing and center positions.
In addition to her athletic prowess, Maher has garnered a massive social media following, with over 8 million combined followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She has also appeared as a runner-up on the popular television show “Dancing With The Stars.”