Ilona Maher, a standout player for the US women’s rugby team, has earned acclaim as a “feminist trailblazer” after being featured as a model in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Known for her powerful presence on and off the field, Maher has become the most-followed rugby player globally, thanks to her performances at the Paris Olympics and her advocacy for body positivity.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day praised Maher, stating, “Ilona Maher gracing the cover of our September digital issue is more than just a celebration of her athletic achievements – it’s a powerful statement. Ilona is a modern-day role model of strength, conviction, and authenticity.”
Maher, who has over 6 million social media followers, uses her platform to promote messages of body positivity under the hashtag #beastbeautybrains. Reflecting on her rugby career, she said, “I love that rugby showed me what I can do. It showed me how capable my body is, and it’s not just a tool to be looked at and objectified.”
At 5 feet 10 inches and 200 pounds, Maher was celebrated by Sports Illustrated for her confidence during her photoshoot at Fire Island, New York. Now 28, she began her rugby journey in Vermont and went on to win three national championships with Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. Since 2018, she has represented the US Eagles in sevens, competing in the 2021 and 2024 Olympic Games. Maher has also announced her intention to compete for a spot in the Rugby World Cup in England next year.
On TikTok, Maher explained the difference between rugby 15s and sevens, saying, “This is rugby 15s, where what you were watching at the Olympics is rugby sevens. But that’s just so cool there’s so many forms of rugby for you to watch. I’ll try to be there. I’m going to try to make that team, see if they can use me somewhere on that field.”
Maher’s influence extends beyond the rugby field. During the Paris Olympics, her social media presence garnered significant attention, leading to headlines like “America Has a Breakout Star of the Olympics – and She Plays Like an NFL Running Back.” Alan Gilpin, CEO of World Rugby, acknowledged Maher’s impact, saying, “Ilona is without a doubt a superstar of these Games. She is rugby’s most followed athlete, with a following greater than most, if not all, of the household names in Paris.”
Back in the US, Maher celebrated her birthday by appearing on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers.” Discussing her introduction to rugby, she said, “I’ve always been an athlete. My dad was a rugby player, and I wanted to try it. My senior year of high school, I played in one game, and it just clicked for me. It’s a sport that encourages you to be physical and show what your body’s capable of.”
When asked about the potential of her success to introduce more Americans to rugby, Maher expressed excitement about the growing interest. “It’s fun to see so many people tune into our games who don’t even know what’s happening. But to see people tune in and realize how fun the sport is, it’s really awesome. I know what rugby has done for my body confidence, and I know it can do the same for so many other girls.”
Maher’s story continues to inspire, as she uses her platform to advocate for the sport she loves and the positive impact it can have on others.
