Social media influencer, reality TV star, podcaster and center continues chase for place at World Cup in EnglandThe rugby sevens star, social media influencer and reality TV competitor Ilona Maher is included in the US Eagles squad for four 15-a-side games this spring, as her quest for a place at the World Cup later this year moves on from a successful stint with Bristol Bears in England.Listed as a center, having played wing for Bristol, Maher is set to “return to the USA Rugby 15s pitch for the first time since 2021, where she debuted with two caps during the Pacific Four Series”, USA Rugby said in announcing its squad for games against Japan and, in this year’s Pacific Four, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Continue reading...
Ilona Maher, a rugby sevens star, social media influencer, and reality TV competitor, has been named to the US Eagles squad for four 15-a-side games, including matches against Japan and in the Pacific Four series. This marks her return to the USA Rugby 15s pitch since 2021. During a stint with Bristol Bears in England, she scored tries against Gloucester-Hartpury before their semi-final defeat. Maher, dubbed "Rugby's biggest star since Jonah Lomu" by the Daily Telegraph, is balancing her rugby career with her growing celebrity, including launching a podcast. She highlights the disparity in pay and career opportunities between men's and women's rugby. The US squad, led by Kate Zackary, will face Japan and Canada as preparation for the Rugby World Cup.
