Record crowd of over 9,000 watches Ilona Maher's debut for Bristol

Bristol Bears' Ilona Maher speaks to the media after the Allianz Premiership Women's Rugby match at Ashton Gate, Bristol. 

Social media sensation Ilona Maher's eagerly-anticipated Bristol debut ended in defeat as Premiership champions Gloucester-Hartpury beat the Bears 40-17 at Ashton Gate.

American back Maher has more than eight million followers across Instagram and TikTok, making her the world's most followed rugby player.