US rugby sevens star and social media sensation Ilona Maher made her eagerly anticipated debut for Bristol in the English women's Premiership on Sunday but could not prevent defeat for her new side. Maher has not played 15s rugby since 2021 but is aiming to gain selection for the US squad for the Women's Rugby World Cup,

Bristol Bears lost at home to Gloucester-Hartpury in their opening match of 2025, as Ilona Maher made her debut for the hosts from the bench.

Club remain tight-lipped about whether American superstar will play against local rivals Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday

Ilona Maher made her Bristol Bears debut but could not prevent Gloucester-Hartpury scoring a valuable win in the race for a PWR top-four finish.

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,

Social media sensation Ilona Maher's eagerly-anticipated Bristol debut ended in defeat as Premiership champions Gloucester-Hartpury beat the Bears 40-17 at Ashton Gate. American back Maher has more than eight million followers across Instagram and TikTok,