Ilona Maher has been picked by the United States as part of their squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England.<\/p>\n
Maher, who is the most followed active rugby player on Instagram, has gained huge popularity across social media and was part of the bronze medal winning US rugby sevens team at the 2024 Olympics.<\/p>\n
The US will face hosts England at the Stadium of Light in the World Cup’s opening fixture on Friday night, which will be shown live on BBC One with coverage starting at 18:30 BST.<\/p>\n
Maher, 29, who plays as a centre, made seven appearances for Bristol Bears at the start of 2025. Her spell included four tries, as well as bringing record-breaking crowds to the Bears’ matches.<\/p>\n
Off the field, Maher’s popularity has significantly helped to grow the popularity of women’s rugby.<\/p>\n
She was named on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in December 2024, and featured on season 33 of Dancing with the Stars – finishing as a runner-up.<\/p>\n
While on the show, Maher became the first female in the show’s history to lift her male partner.<\/p>\n