5. Dan Carter — @dancarter_
Instagram followers: ~1M
Even in retirement, the All Blacks legend remains one of rugby’s biggest global icons.
Instagram: @dancarter_
5. Antoine Dupont — @antoinedupont9
Instagram followers: ~1.3m
Widely regarded as the best rugby player in the world, Dupont’s popularity exploded after Olympic Sevens success with France.
Instagram: @antoinedupont9
3. Siya Kolisi — @siyakolisi
Instagram followers: ~1.5M
As the inspirational captain of South Africa’s World Cup-winning Springboks, Kolisi became one of the most influential figures in world rugby.
Instagram: @siyakolisi
2. Sonny Bill Williams — @sonnybillwilliams
Instagram followers: ~1.6M+
A crossover superstar in rugby league, rugby union, boxing, and media, SBW built one of the sport’s largest fanbases.
Instagram: @sonnybillwilliams
1. Ilona Maher — @ilonamaher
Instagram followers: ~5.4M
No rugby player comes close to Ilona Maher’s online reach. The Olympic bronze medallist transformed rugby’s visibility through TikTok, humor, body positivity, and mainstream celebrity appeal.
She has become the first true global social-media superstar rugby has ever produced.
Instagram: @ilonamaher