US rugby sensation Ilona Maher debuted for the Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate, attracting a record crowd of 9,240 fans on Sunday. Despite the anticipation, Maher's entrance in the 61st minute couldn't prevent Bristol's 40-17 defeat to defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury in the Premiership Women's Rugby match.

U.S. Olympic bronze medallist Ilona Maher debuted for Bristol Bears in a loss to Gloucester-Hartpury, drawing a record crowd to Ashton Gate stadium. Known for her massive social media following, Maher's popularity surged post-Olympics.

Maher's presence for the game against champions Gloucester-Hartpury generated a Bristol record crowd of 9,240 for a women's game. Sunday's final crowd tally smashed the Bears' previous record of 4,101 and set the competition record.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher made her debut for the Bristol Bears women's team in front of a record home crowd of 9,240 fans on Sunday. But Maher, “ the most followed rugby player on the planet,” could not prevent Bristol from losing 40-17 to defending champion Gloucester-Hartpury in a Premiership Women’s Rugby match.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher made her debut for the Bristol Bears women's team in front of a record home crowd of 9,240 fans on Sunday. But Maher, "the most followed rugby player on the planet,” could not prevent Bristol from losing 40-17 to defending champion Gloucester-Hartpury in a Premiership Women’s Rugby match.