U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher celebrated her first start for 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.

The Paris 2024 rugby sevens bronze medallist opened her English rugby union account with a try and a win on her first start for the Bristol Bears.

Ilona Maher marked her first Premiership Women’s Rugby start with a try as Bristol boosted their hopes of reaching the play-offs with a gutsy win over derby rivals Exeter Chiefs.