Mattel Launches Team Barbie Rugby Dolls
Mattel Launches Team Barbie Rugby Dolls

Mattel Launches Team Barbie Rugby Dolls

News summary

Mattel launched “Team Barbie” on International Day of the Girl, unveiling one-of-a-kind dolls modeled on four women’s rugby stars — Ilona Maher (USA), Ellie Kildunne (England), Portia Woodman-Wycliffe (New Zealand) and Nassira Konde (France) — to inspire girls to pursue sports. Most dolls were unique, non-sale tributes presented at events where the players met their miniatures at Allianz Stadium, while Mattel confirmed a production Ilona Maher doll will be available at retail in fall 2026. Barbie introduced a new athletic muscular body sculpt with visible torso and muscle definition used for at least Maher and Woodman-Wycliffe, and the campaign included dolls in team uniforms plus Barbie-branded rugby balls and accessories. As part of its Barbie Dream Gap initiative, Mattel donated £20,000 to the RFU and framed the campaign as a way to challenge stereotypes about female athletes and build girls’ confidence in male-dominated sports.

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