Rugby union needs culture shift to create stars and grow the game - The American has a social media following of over eight million people.

The USA Eagles player is also not worried about a potential U.S. ban on TikTok, a platform she has amassed over three million followers on.

BRISTOL, England (AP) — U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher made her debut for the Bristol Bears women ... Maher has more than 8 million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok. She was a runner-up on the “Dancing With The Stars” TV show.

USA rugby star Ilona Maher, with her 8-million strong social media following, challenges rugby's traditional culture while making waves at Bristol Bears. The Olympic bronze medallist argues that the sport's future depends on embracing digital innovation and personality-driven content to attract a new generation of fans.

Ilona Maher’s impact on women’s rugby in England had been significant even before she had stepped on a rugby pitch in the country. On Sunday came the American’s time to make a telling contribution on the field of play as she scored a sensational 70-yard try in her first start for her new team.

U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher is set to make her first start for the Bristol Bears on January 12 at the Exeter Chiefs.

Ilona Maher hopes she can inspire and elevate more players to superstar ... 2025 With more than eight million followers across Instagram and TikTok, 28-year-old American back Maher is the world’s most followed rugby player on social media.

Ilona Maher, the most followed rugby player on social ... as the club saw a considerable increase in replica shirt sales, while their Instagram following has risen from 21,000 to 67,000 since ...

BRISTOL, England — U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher is set to make her first start for the Bristol ... Maher has more than 8 million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok. She also was a runner-up on the “Dancing With The Stars” TV show.

Rugby Star Ilona Maher Makes Her Debut in Front of Record ... Maher has more than 8 million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok. She was a runner-up on the “Dancing With The Stars ...

NBC Universal, Inc. U.S. rugby star Ilona Maher made her debut for the Bristol ... Maher has more than 8 million followers combined on Instagram and TikTok. She was a runner-up on the “Dancing ...