Ilona Maher, the American rugby sensation, is embarking on a new chapter of her already accomplished athletic career. After captivating audiences with her performances at the Tokyo Olympics, where she earned Olympic bronze for the USA Women’s Rugby Sevens team, Maher has signed with the Bristol Bears for a three-month contract, marking her return to rugby 15s. The multi-talented athlete is not only aiming for success on the pitch but also hopes to amplify the profile of women's rugby globally.
With over eight million followers on Instagram and TikTok, Maher is currently the most followed rugby player worldwide. Her popularity could serve as a boon for the women’s game, as she sets out to promote fellow players’ visibility. “I love being a superstar... we need to have people connecting with so many different players. Right now, it seems to be ‘Oh, it’s Ilona Maher, we’ve got to get her in this, this and this’. That’s where I want to bring these teammates up,” Maher expressed, highlighting her commitment to elevational work within the sport.
Maher's anticipated debut on January 5 against reigning champions Gloucester-Hartpury made quite the splash as the match attracted over 9,240 fans to Ashton Gate, surpassing attendance records for women’s rugby matches at the venue. The energy and attendance marked the potential growth of women's rugby and Maher’s influence on the sport's marketability. Reflecting on the crowd, she admitted, “I didn’t know when we announced... the buzz around it was already pretty big. I didn’t really know what it would be.” Enthusiastic fans clamoring for her autograph showed her reach beyond just rugby aficionados.
Unfortunately, Maher faced her first injury during this performance, breaking her nose after colliding with three defenders. “This is my first time breaking my nose... but I held off for quite a long time,” she said humorously in her first interview following the match. Although she was visibly bruised, her spirit was undeterred, promising, “Give it a little bit more time to rest, but then I'll be back out there.” Her resilience echoes her approach to both sport and life.
Transitioning from Sevens to the 15-a-side game is no small feat, and Maher acknowledges this shift with open arms. She emphasized the need for different strategies and skill sets within the 15s format compared to the more fast-paced Sevens which she has recently mastered for six years. “There are many more moving parts in 15s... strategy is important,” she elaborated, showcasing her commitment to becoming the player the USA requires for their bid at the World Cup scheduled for 2025.
Maher’s immediate focus on nutrition, teamed with her recent partnership with Quaker Oats, revealed another facet of her dedication to improving her physical attributes. “It’s just the simplicity of... knowing what you’re eating. Recently I've been really getting this overnight oats recipe,” she shared, signaling her shift toward taking on the sport more holistically.
The star athlete also reflected on her voluminous year, which didn’t only include spectacular achievements on the rugby field but also spanned across the dance floor. She captured hearts and attention by finishing second on the popular show Dancing With The Stars. “I was so excited to have done Dancing with the Stars... I did it. What can I do next?” she stated, showcasing her perpetual drive to challenge herself and explore new horizons.
Looking forward, Maher embodies the essence of determination—blending ambition with approachability. While her social media fame draws fans, it’s her genuine connection with them and her drive to uplift her colleagues in rugby, which sets her apart. “I hope they come and watch me. I hope they’ll come to the next game even if I’m not playing,” she expressed, emphasizing her desire for rugby to embrace as many fans as possible, regardless of who is on the field.
For now, Maher is on the path of blending legacy and ambition, with her eyes firmly set on the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Single-handedly, she’s proving the impact sports influencers can have on their sport, and her efforts to inspire will likely generate considerable growth for women’s rugby.