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Maher named on bench ahead of Bristol Bears debut
Bristol Bears' Ilona Maher on the pitch at half-time during the Champions Cup match at Ashton Gate, Bristol, December 8, 2024

ILONA MAHER is set for her Bristol Bears debut after being named on the bench for Gloucester-Hartpury’s visit to Ashton Gate on Sunday.

The American back, who boasts 3.4 million followers on TikTok, struck a deal with Bears in December, agreeing to a three-month contract beginning this month.

Maher’s signing sparked a surge in interest in Bears’ women’s side, so much so that several matches have been moved to the club’s much larger main venue, where a record attendance is anticipated this weekend.

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