Ilona Maher: The Superstar Energizing Bristol Bears And Redefining Women’s Rugby
By Priscilla Jepchumba
Ilona Maher, a prominent figure in USA Rugby and an Olympic bronze medalist, is creating quite a buzz in England even before her debut with the Bristol Bears. She has signed a three-month contract leading up to the 2025 Rugby World Cup, and her arrival is generating excitement not only for the club but for women’s rugby as a whole.
On January 5th, the Bristol Bears will take to the pitch against Gloucester-Hartpury in a thrilling encounter at Ashton Gate, a venue poised to host what could be a record-setting crowd for a women’s rugby match.
This highly anticipated showdown has been relocated from the intimate setting of Shaftesbury Park due to an overwhelming surge in ticket demand, which has already surpassed the previous record of 4,101 fans set back in May 2022.
The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable, with the club stating, “Such is the clamor to see the USA superstar,” referring to the star player Ilona Maher, underlining both the excitement and the eagerness of fans to witness this historic occasion firsthand.
The spotlight shines brightly on Maher, the exceptional athlete who secured a bronze medal at the recent Paris Olympics. Since then, she has skyrocketed to fame, captivating audiences around the globe and amassing an astonishing 4.6 million followers on Instagram, rendering her the most-followed rugby player in the world.
The Bristol Bears are strategically harnessing her immense influence, employing a dedicated social media manager to amplify the presence of the women’s team on various platforms throughout the second half of the season.
This initiative aims not only to celebrate the players' talents but also to engender greater engagement and support from the rugby community and beyond. The buzz around this match promises to be an unforgettable experience, contributing significantly to the ever-growing popularity of women’s rugby.
Ellie Kildunne, England’s World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year, commended this initiative: “We need to connect with everyone; social media is perfect for this! Ilona has a significant presence online.”
Maher views herself as both an athlete and an ambassador for rugby. "I’m exceptional at rugby, but realistically, I may not be the best at it, which is perfectly fine,” she said modestly. “But I have something unique to offer, which is my personality.”
Her impact extends beyond ticket sales. The Bears’ focus on storytelling and media could redefine how women’s rugby is promoted. “It’s not just about one player,” Kildunne emphasized. “What Bristol is doing will open the eyes of other teams as well.”
Maher’s inaugural game will not only mark the beginning of her journey in England; it has the potential to elevate the profile of women’s rugby, which has long been needed. With the World Cup on the horizon, her popularity could draw in new fans and shine a brighter spotlight on the sport overall.