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Ilona Maher celebrated her first goal for Bristol after a stellar performance in the 41-31 win over Exeter at Sandy Park First time starting.
Maher is the most popular player on social media with more than 8 million followers, using her speed and power to cover half the pitch and make two tackles in her 55th-minute try.
The USA Rugby Sevens star also showed her value as a defensive player as she walked away from the flank, drawing three defenders before releasing Meg Valli for the extra point. Bristol remain in contention for a Premiership Women’s Rugby play-off spot.
“It felt a little like sevens. My teammates were trying to get me through, but I had to get past a couple 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, it’s always through. It’s really unnatural for me.
“Now it’s about figuring out, when I have three guys in front of me, how do I get through them? I take more pride in trying to assist. I took a small step there, which I’ve never done before. “
Social media personality Ilona Maher joins Bristol after winning rugby sevens bronze medal for Team USA at the Paris Olympics
Maher, who won a bronze medal at last summer’s Paris Olympics, is targeting a spot on the U.S. team for the World Cup hosted by England later this year.
A week ago, she played 15 seconds for the first time since 2021, when she came on as a substitute in the 40-17 loss to Gloucester Hartpury.
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