U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher has celebrated her first start for the Bristol Bears by powering over for a try in a 41-31 victory at the Exeter Chiefs.

Ilona Maher’s impact on women’s rugby in England had been significant even before she had stepped on a rugby pitch in the country. On Sunday came the American’s time to make a telling contribution on the field of play as she scored a sensational 70-yard try in her first start for her new team.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher is set to make her first start for the Bristol Bears on January 12 at the Exeter Chiefs.

Ilona Maher scores stunning first Bristol Bears try in thrilling victory over Exeter; US rugby sevens stars laid on late try assist as the Bears remained in contention for Premiership Womens Rugby pla

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher has made her debut for the Bristol Bears women’s team in front of a record home crowd of 9,240.

Ilona Maher is making her impact across the pond! The Olympic rugby bronze medalist made her debut on the pitch in England on Sunday, Jan. 5 — and it resulted in the Bristol Bears having to change stadiums to accommodate her fans.

Ilona Maher made her debut on the pitch last weekend with her new UK rugby team, the Bristol Bears. The U.S. Bronze medalist and Dancing With the Stars runner-up entered the Bears vs. Gloucester-Hartpury match as a sub in the 61st minute,