Social media star Ilona Maher marks first Bristol start with a try

The American ran over half the pitch and bumped off two tackles in a 55th-minute try made possible by her pace and power.

Ilona Maher made a try-scoring full debut for Bristol against Exeter. Picture: Adam Davy/PA

Ilona Maher celebrated her first start for Bristol by powering over for a try as part of an impactful display in a 41-31 victory against Exeter at Sandy Park.

Maher, the game’s most popular player on social media with more than eight million followers, ran over half the pitch and bumped off two tackles in a 55th-minute try made possible by her pace and power.