USA Sevens Star Ilona Maher Embraces 15s Challenge In Bristol Bears Debut
USA Sevens Star Ilona Maher Embraces 15s Challenge In Bristol Bears Debut
Olympic rugby star Ilona Maher makes her 15s debut with the Bristol Bears, drawing record crowds at Ashton Gate, as she aims for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
Olympic bronze medalist Ilona Maher admitted to pregame nerves before making her Bristol Bears debut, but the rugby star from the United States believes her first 15-a-side match marked a step forward in her adjustment to the format.
Maher played the final 20 minutes in the Bears' 40-17 loss to Gloucester-Hartpury in front of a record crowd of 9,240 at Ashton Gate on Sunday.
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Maher, a key figure in the United States' women’s sevens team, is aiming for a spot in the USA Eagles squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
To bolster her transition from sevens to 15s, Maher signed a three-month deal with Bristol, hoping to showcase her skills ahead of the World Cup in England later this year.
"I was definitely very nervous," Maher said post-match. "I just wanted to do my teammates proud and show that I deserved to be out there. But once I got on the field, I thought, ‘This is rugby.’ It’s in my blood."
Maher came on as a substitute for Reneeqa Bonner in the 60th minute, slotting in on the right wing. Her opportunities with the ball were limited as Bristol struggled to compete with the defending Premiership Women’s Rugby champions.
Despite the challenging debut, Maher remains optimistic about her progress.
"In sevens, it’s a lot of 1v1s," she said. "In 15s, there are so many moving parts. I’m still learning, but each game is an opportunity to grow."
Maher last played the 15-a-side format in 2021, but her star power has not waned.
Since helping the United States secure its first Olympic rugby medal, she has built a massive following of 8.1 million across social media. Her influence was evident at Ashton Gate, where fans donned shirts with her name and eagerly awaited her entrance.
"She’s given everyone a massive lift," said Bristol and England fly-half Holly Aitchison. "Anyone with that kind of profile puts eyes on the game, which is great for us."
Maher’s return to rugby followed a whirlwind post-Olympic period, including brand partnerships, a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, and a runner-up finish on Dancing with the Stars.
Announced to Bristol fans in December, her debut drew unprecedented demand for tickets, prompting a move from the Bears’ usual 2,000-capacity home at Shaftesbury Park to Ashton Gate’s 27,000-seat stadium.
Despite the result, Maher remained positive, emphasizing her desire to grow the sport, particularly among women.
"It’s really important for me to connect with fans," she said after spending over an hour signing autographs. "There were a lot of women in the crowd. We need more women buying jerseys and coming to games. Women have power, influence and are a great fanbase to have."
For Maher, Sunday’s debut was just the beginning. With potentially only six games to impress, she knows each moment on the field is critical.
"You learn a lot by losing," she said. "But it also puts a fire under you for the next game."
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