SUNDERLAND, England — Ilona Maher’s mission at the Women’s Rugby World Cup is about more than just winning games. Heading into the United States’ tournament opener on Friday, the world’s most followed rugby player on social media wants to get more eyeballs on the sport as it ramps up attempts to crack the market in America.

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, U.S. star Ilona Maher said, "It's so much easier to be yourself than anybody else."

Ilona Maher has been picked by the United States as part of their squad for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England. 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.