Ilona Maher sprinkles her stardust on England – U.S. rugby icon’s new team has had to find a bigger home stadium

When asked if she felt exhausted after spending over an hour taking photos with hundreds of fans, Ilona Maher channeled her inner Taylor Swift in her response.https://wordpress.com/

“I do get tired a lot,” she admitted, “but as Taylor Swift says, ‘I get tired a lot but I don’t get tired of it.’”

For the 28-year-old rugby union star from Burlington, Vermont, the “it” refers to the enthusiastic fanfare that accompanies her every move.

After making her 20-minute debut for the Bristol Bears—a team she joined on a three-month contract—Maher faced a 250-yard queue of fans eager for photos, stretching around three sides of the field. Some admirers had even flown across the Atlantic from Washington, D.C., just to see her. Maher, an Olympic bronze medalist in rugby sevens from 2024, has become a global figure, transcending her sport. Last year, she graced the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition and was named in Forbes 30 Under 30 list, fueling her meteoric rise in fame.

Despite no obligation to meet fans after the game, Maher took it upon herself to connect with as many as possible. “I saw the line of people waiting and thought, ‘I’m going to try to take as many photos as I can,’” she shared with reporters.

Maher’s social media following—over eight million combined across Instagram and TikTok—makes her the world’s most-followed rugby player. Her relatable humor, showcased during behind-the-scenes glimpses at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, along with her empowering messages promoting body confidence, have garnered her a dedicated audience, particularly among young women and girls.

Over 9,000 fans attended her Bristol debut at Ashton Gate, a 27,000-seat stadium in England known as the home of Bristol’s soccer and rugby teams. The match shattered attendance records for Premiership Women’s Rugby, a testament to Maher’s star power. Her presence even prompted the game’s relocation from a smaller venue.

Documentary filmmakers from Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine are chronicling Maher’s every move, adding to the buzz. Even with the uncertainty of whether she would play in Sunday’s match, her involvement drew unparalleled excitement.

Fans, like Rose Kooper-Johnson, a Rhode Island native now living in Bristol, were thrilled to see Maher in action. “She’s so inspiring,” Kooper-Johnson said. “If she can get more people into women’s sports, that’s incredible.” Others, like teenage rugby player Jasmine, noted Maher’s influence on increasing participation among girls in the sport.

During the game, Maher’s brief time on the field showcased her energetic style, despite limited opportunities to handle the ball. Her introduction electrified the crowd and inspired her team, who scored shortly after her entry. Although Bristol ultimately lost 40-17, Maher’s impact was undeniable.

Post-match, Maher reflected on her dedication to fans. “They do so much for me, so I want to give back,” she said. “Fans are key to growing this league, and I feel it’s my responsibility to support them.”

Maher, humble yet confident, recognizes her unique role as a trailblazer in a sport traditionally dominated by men. “It’s amazing to be the face of a sport not typically seen as a women’s game,” she said. “If one of us rises, we all rise.”

Beyond rugby, Maher takes pride in her broader impact. “I’m proud of the influence I’ve had on social media, not just for rugby but for body positivity and self-acceptance,” she added, smiling at her sister, Olivia, who has moved to England to support her. “And I love what I’m doing.”