The star player hoping to turn millions of TikTok followers into rugby fansReuters Ilona Maher signed a three-month deal with the Bristol Bears in DecemberRugby player Ilona Maher has won fans and admirers with her sporting talent.
A record-breaking crowd of 9,240 turned out to watch Ilona's Premiership Women's Rugby debut as the Bristol Bears took on rivals Gloucester-Hartpury.
"They might not play rugby, they might not ever have watched a rugby match, but because they follow her on Instagram and TikTok, they want to come and watch her."
Jessica is optimistic that will happen, particularly with the Women's Rugby World Cup being hosted in England this year and plans to boost female participation in the sport.
"Now is the time to invest in women's rugby - it's only going to get bigger."

Ilona Maher: Bristol Bears rugby star on body positivity and TikTok