Ilona Maher shines on first Bristol start

Ilona Maher of Bristol Bears looks on during the Premiership Women's Rugby match against Exeter Chiefs. Photo / Getty Images

Social media sensation Ilona Maher celebrated her first start for Bristol by scoring a spectacular try to inspire a 41-31 win against Exeter on Sunday.

The American back, who won Olympic bronze at the 2024 Paris Games, has more than eight million followers across Instagram and TikTok, making her the world’s most-followed rugby player

And the United States sevens ace lived up to the hype as she ran over half the pitch and evaded two tackles in a 55th-minute try that showcased her pace and power.

The 28-year-old, who has signed a three-month contract with Bristol, also underlined her ability as a creator.

She stepped off her wing to suck in three defenders before releasing Meg Varley to score the bonus-point try that keeps Bristol in contention for the Premiership Women’s Rugby play-offs.

“It felt like sevens a little bit. 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!’” Maher told TNT Sports.

“I don’t go around people, that’s never been my thing - ever! I don’t go around them, always go through. It’s really not natural for me.”

Maher made her debut off the bench for Bristol against champions Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend in a game that produced the club’s record crowd of 9240 for a women’s game.

Maher is aiming to gain selection for the US squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, taking place in England later this year.

Her arrival at Bristol has boosted replica shirt sales, while the club’s Instagram following has soared from 21,000 to 67,000.