Asked to describe Ilona Maher, some may remember Sports Illustrated’s 2024 coverline: “Beast. Beauty. Brains.” Yet the American rugby star’s influence extends far beyond. With almost 5 million followers on Instagram, the 28-year-old has become not only rugby’s most followed player but one of the most important and influential figures in women’s sport, a power athlete weaponising her image to inspire future generations.
Australians get their chance to see the Maher juggernaut up close when she runs out for the USA Eagles against the Wallaroos on Saturday. Canberra might just be the centre of the rugby universe this weekend. League and union are both showcasing major events in the Australian capital – the Raiders against the Titans in an NRL showdown, and ACT Brumbies against Queensland Reds in a Super Rugby grudge match. But Maher is by far the biggest star in that constellation.
