‘Trailblazer’ Ilona Maher showing the way, says World Rugby chief
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World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin is convinced Bristol Bears TikTok sensation Ilona Maher is just what the sport needs as momentum builds towards this summer’s World Cup in England. The versatile American back – a breakout personality from the Paris 2024 Olympics – is now the world’s most followed rugby player on social media, with a whopping 3.4 million followers and counting on TikTok.
Buzz around the 28-year-old’s three-month deal – beginning in January – was so great that Bears have moved several upcoming women’s contests to the 27,000-seat Ashton Gate, where a new club-record attendance is expected for their West Country derby with Gloucester-Hartpury on Sunday.
Gilpin said: “We know these brilliant young women are coming into the game with compelling personal stories, with really powerful personalities, seeing the game as a great platform to build their own brands as Ilona has. “Actually, it’s a great example for the men’s game and I think that’s what we need in rugby.
“We know there’s that shift in fandom to fans following individual players in the women’s game, and certainly the platform we are going to give them in the Women’s World Cup is the gateway to that. “So we’re really excited about what Ilona and so many other brilliant women will bring next year.”.
Maher followed her Olympic sevens bronze with an appearance on America’s Strictly Come Dancing equivalent, Dancing with the Stars, where she was a finalist. Gilpin added: “Ilona is unique in so many ways because she is a trailblazer in the women’s game, but there are a whole host of brilliant women that are going to play in this tournament next year.
