Rugby Star Ilona Maher Eyes Bristol Debut As Ticket Sales Break Club Record

Ticket sales have broken a record ahead of U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher making her debut for the Bristol Bears women's team.

The Olympic bronze medalist won't be in the starting lineup, however, when the Bears face defending champion Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday in a Premiership Women's Rugby match switched from a smaller venue to Ashton Gate to satisfy demand for seats.

Bristol's matchday lineup announced on Friday includes the 28-year-old Maher on the bench - the American only returned to England on New Year's Day.

"I don't care if it's freezing cold, come out and support some great rugby," Maher wrote on Instagram before the lineup was released.

Maher, who helped lead the U.S. to the bronze medal in rugby sevens at the Paris Games, signed a three-month contract that started this week. She had begun training with Bristol in December when the team announced the signing before going back to the United States for the holidays.