Ilona Maher celebrated her first start for Bristol by scoring a try as part of an impressive display in the 41-31 win against Exeter at Sandy Park.
Maher, the game's most popular player on social media with more than eight million followers, ran half the pitch and flew home two tackles for a 55th-minute try powered by her pace and power.
The United States sevens star also showed her worth as a provider when she came off her wing to weave past three defenders before laying on Meg Varley to score the bonus point that keeps Bristol in contention for the Women's Rugby Premiership play-offs.
“I felt like sevens. My teammates tried to get me through and I had to go through a few defenders. I thought 'oh, this is the week!'” Maher told TNT Sports.
“I don't go around people, it's never been my thing—never! I don't go around them, I always pass by. It really doesn't come naturally to me.
“Now it will be understood when I have three people in front of me, how do I get past them? I was more proud of the assist on the try. I took a little step there, which I've never done before.”
Social media sensation Ilona Maher has joined Bristol after winning Rugby Sevens bronze for the USA at the Paris Olympics
Maher won a bronze medal at last year's Paris Olympics and was targeting a spot on the U.S. national team that will compete in the World Cup, hosted by England later this year.
A week ago she made her first 15s appearance since 2021 when she came off the bench in the 40-17 defeat of Gloucester-Hartpury.
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