US rugby star Ilona Maher eyes Bristol debut as ticket sales break club record

• Sevens stars set for debut with Bristol women’s team
• Close to 8,000 fans are expected in record turnout

Ticket sales have broken a record ahead of US 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.