U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher made her debut for the Bristol Bears women’s team in front of a record home crowd of 9,240 fans on Sunday.

U.S. Olympic bronze medallist Ilona Maher made her debut for Premiership Women's Rugby side Bristol Bears in a 40-17 loss to Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday, with a record crowd of 9,240 in attendance at Ashton Gate stadium.

U.S. Olympic bronze medallist Ilona Maher debuted for Bristol Bears in a loss to Gloucester-Hartpury, drawing a record crowd to Ashton Gate stadium. Known for her massive social media following, Maher's popularity surged post-Olympics.