Ilona Maher to Bristol Bears Debut in Record-Breaking Match

The U.S. rugby star and social media sensation joins Bristol for a three-month stint, starting with Sunday's game against reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury.

• Ilona Maher, the most-followed rugby player on social media, will debut for the Bristol Bears in Sunday's Premiership Women’s Rugby match at Ashton Gate.
• The match has been moved to a larger venue due to unprecedented ticket demand, with nearly 8,000 fans expected, doubling the Bears' previous attendance record.
• Maher, a bronze medalist in rugby sevens at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is transitioning back to 15-a-side rugby in hopes of securing a spot on the USA squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
• Her signing has significantly boosted Bristol's visibility, with the club's Instagram following tripling and merchandise sales increasing since her arrival.
• Bristol, currently fifth in the league, faces a challenging matchup against third-placed Gloucester-Hartpury, the defending champions, in a repeat of last season's final.

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