Rugby star Ilona Maher, renowned for her social media presence, makes her Bristol Bears Women debut against Gloucester-Hartpury.
Ilona Maher is set to make her debut for Bristol Bears Women from the bench this Sunday in their Premiership Women's Rugby match against Gloucester-Hartpury. The 28-year-old, who boasts 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million TikTok fans, making her the most followed rugby union player globally, returns to 15-a-side rugby for the first time since 2021 after winning Olympic bronze with the US rugby sevens team at the Paris Games last summer.
Maher, who can play at centre or on the wing, is one of four changes to the squad announced by head coach Dave Ward. England's Hollie Cunningham returns in the second-row and Wales' Ffion Lewis makes her first start at scrum-half. The round 12 clash has been moved to Ashton Gate from Bristol Bears women's usual ground, Shaftesbury Park, due to high demand, with almost 8,000 tickets sold. Ward emphasized the importance of the game, stating, 'This game means something, there's points on the line, there's people looking for international call-ups for the Six Nations.' Bristol Bears Women are seven points behind their opponents Gloucester-Hartpury in third and nine behind leaders Harlequins, although they have a game in hand on three of the sides above them
Rugby Women's Rugby Ilona Maher Bristol Bears Premiership Women's Rugby
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