Fresh from scoring a 70-yard try in her first start for Bristol Bears at the weekend in their 41-31 victory over play-off rivals Exeter Chiefs, Ilona Maher knows she is rugby union’s superstar even if, as she openly admits, she is “not the best rugby player”.
The 28-year-old USA Eagles international’s arrival in England and to Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR, England’s top-flight, 15-a-side league) has sparked an incredible rise in support and interest in women’s rugby union in the country.
Maher’s first game, where she featured from the bench for the final 20 minutes against Gloucester-Hartpury earlier this month, had to be moved to Ashton Gate stadium, home of the men’s side, because of the number of fans wanting to catch a glimpse of her. Over 9,000 were in attendance — a club and PWR record for a standalone game. A further 4,000 turned out to watch her score that first try against Exeter and the Bears’ next game against Leicester Tigers has already been moved to Ashton Gate “due to unprecedented demand.”
After the match, fans queued around Ashton Gate, also home to Bristol City men’s soccer team, in the hopes of meeting Maher whose every move of this three-month contract is being followed by a camera crew from a production company — Hello…
