Social media sensation Ilona Maher is preparing to make her Bristol Bears debut after being named on the bench for Gloucester-Hartpury’s visit to Ashton Gate on Sunday.
Baek, an American who boasts 3.4 million followers on TikTok, signed a contract with the Bears last December and signed a three-month contract starting this month.
Maher’s addition has led to a surge in interest in the Bears’ women’s team, leading to several games being moved to the club’s much larger main stadium, where record crowds are expected this weekend.
Manager Dave Ward said: “We expect a crowd of around 8,000 to be at Ashton Gate on Sunday, it’s a very exciting event and we’re hoping to give them some cheer.
“We understand the importance of the game in the context of this season and the quality of the current champions, but we go into the game with confidence and relishing the situation and challenge.”
Maher, who can play both center and wing, won seven bronze medals with the United States in Paris before finishing runner-up in Dancing with the Stars, America’s equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing.
The 28-year-old has not played for the under-15s since 2021 but is hoping to get back into form to join the US squad for this summer’s World Cup in England.
She played her first 15 in college at Quinnipiac University and appeared in two international competitions during the 2021 Pacific Four Series.
Maher is the most followed rugby player on social media and has risen to fame by combining her signature sharp sense of humor with messages of body positivity and female empowerment.
Read more: ‘Pioneer’ showing the way, says World Rugby chief Ilona Maher.
