United States women's rugby team, led by Ilona Maher, suffers defeat against Australia in an international match.
Rewritten Article:
Meet Ilona Maher, the American rugby sensation who's taking the sport by storm with her electrifying gameplay and skyrocketing social media following. Although she couldn't steer her team to victory against Australia in the Pacific Four match recently, her popularity certainly did shine bright.
Saturday's game, played at Canberra stadium, saw Australia edge past the U.S. 27-19, with Ilona being the main attraction for fans. Backrower Tabua Tuinakauvadra shed some light on the stardom surrounding Ilona, stating, "My friends are coming to watch me play rugby, but they're coming to see Ilona first."
Post her stint in a short-term deal with the Bristol Bears in England, Ilona has been giving the English league a boost in attention. The Americans' second consecutive loss in the tournament leaves them searching for their first win, while Australia celebrated their first victory. New Zealand had previously outmaneuvered Australia 38-12 in Newcastle, while Canada triumphed over the U.S. 26-14 in Kansas City.
Known across platforms as the most-followed rugby player globally, Ilona has a staggering follower base of nearly five million on Instagram alone. Sources hint that her combined followers on Instagram and TikTok exceed eight million, making her the undisputed social media queen of rugby. In addition to her sporting achievements, Ilona has danced her way into hearts on the popular TV show "Dancing With The Stars."
Ilona's social media fame is vividly impacting the growing popularity of women's rugby in the United States. Her powerful voice for body positivity and women's sports has inspired countless new fans, resulting in record-breaking attendance at U.S. matches. As she gears up for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England, her visibility is anticipated to drive interest in the U.S. team's bid for the prestigious tournament.
AP rugby
Stay updated on rugby with our latest news here
- Ilona Maher's popularity in the media extends beyond rugby matches, making her a social media sensation in Canada and globally, with almost five million followers on Instagram alone.
- The growing attention towards women's rugby in the United States can be attributed to Ilona's influence, as her follower base on platforms like Instagram and TikTok exceeds eight million.
- Ilona's presence in Sports like football, having appeared on "Dancing With The Stars", has further solidified her status as a household name, with fans constantly eager to see her play, even if it's not rugby.
- As Ilona prepares for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup in England, the American rugby team may find a boost in interest and support due to her large social media following, helping them in their bid for the prestigious tournament.
