Ilona Maher Calls for Rugby Culture Shift

Ilona Maher, who recently won a bronze medal with the U.S. rugby team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has emphasized the need for a cultural shift in rugby union to attract new fans and players. With over eight million social media followers, Maher has become the sport's most followed athlete, advocating for body positivity and female empowerment. She believes that the sport needs to engage more personalities, particularly in the men's game, to break away from its traditional and stoic image. During her debut with the Bristol Bears, Maher helped draw a record crowd for a women's game and scored a try in her first start. She stresses the importance of retaining these new fans by encouraging them to return for future games. Maher aims to inspire broader participation in rugby and hopes to be part of the USA's World Cup squad later this year.