Ilona Maher to make first PWR start for Bristol Bears

Social media sensation Ilona Maher will make her first start for Bristol Bears this weekend in their game against Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park.?

The USA international made a return to XVs last weekend, coming off the bench in the Bears’ heavy 40-17 loss to Gloucester-Hartpury.

The fixture also pulled in a record attendance for a standalone Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR) fixture, with?9,240 fans flocking to Ashton Gate to watch the match.

Ilona Maher to make first start for Bristol Bears

After making her debut on the wing, Maher – who won a Bronze medal with the USA Women’s Sevens team at the Olympics – will occupy the number 11 jersey on her full PWR debut, and she comes in for the injured Millie David.

Commenting on his selection, Bears head coach?Dave Ward said: “Last weekend was an unbelievable occasion, so we were disappointed to come out on the wrong end of the result and we’re keen to bounce back this weekend.

Ilona Maher’s debut attracts record crowd as Bristol Bears defeated by Gloucester-Hartpury

“We know we’re in a position now where every game counts as we target the top four, so this weekend against a good Exeter Chiefs side is vitally important for us.”

Bristol come into the game in fifth place in the PWR table, but they face an Exeter side who have only lost once so far this season, and currently sit in third.

A bonus-point win for the Bears though would see them move just two points behind fourth-placed Saracens in the table.

The match kicks off at 3:00pm and will be aired live on TNT Sports.

Bristol Bears Women’s team to face Exeter Chiefs Women in full

Starting XV: 15 ?Courtney Keight, 14? ?Reneeqa Bonner, 13? ?Meg Varley, 12? ?Phoebe Murray, 11? ?Ilona Maher, 10? ?Holly Aitchison, 9? ?Keira Bevan, 8? ?Rownita Marston-Mulhearn, 7 ?Evie Gallagher, 6? ?Alisha Joyce-Butchers, 5? ?Abbie Ward, 4? ?Hollie Cunningham, 3? ?Sarah Bern, 2? ?Lark Atkin-Davies, 1? ?Hannah Botterman
Replacements: 16 ?Jess Sprague, 17? ?Simi Pam, 18? ?Elliann Clarke, 19? ?Delaney Burns, 20? ?Gabriella Nigrelli, 21? ?Tilly Ryall, 22? ?Amy Coles, 23 Ella Lovibond

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