USA star Ilona Maher says men’s rugby needs more characters to grow game - 'I would love to see more personality'

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Ilona Maher is rugby's most-followed player across social media and has helped grow the game in the USA with her viral videos and appearances on the popular American TV show Dancing with the Stars. The Olympic bronze medallist believes men's rugby needs more larger-than-life personalities like former Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler if it is to continue growing in the years to come.

Lomu-esque from Maher as American star gets first PWR try

Video credit: TNT Sports

Bristol Bears star Ilona Maher believes male rugby players should show more personality off the pitch in a bid to grow the game.

The USA international is the sport's most-followed player on social media, has finished as runner-up on the popular American TV show Dancing with the Stars, and won rugby sevens bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games.

She joined Bristol Bears until the end of the Premiership Women's Rugby season in December and has already scored her first try for the club in a 41–31 victory against Exeter Chiefs.

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Maher admits she would love to see more characters coming out of the men's game, citing the example of former Harlequins and England prop Joe Marler, who retired in November.

"I would love to see more personality from the men's game," she told the BBC.

"You see it a little bit with your Joe Marlers - but even then I can think only really think of Joe and a few others who have that fun personality to them.

"I just wish we could show that more, but I think that's where the women's game, we have to break away a little bit and show that it's OK to show your personality outside of the field."

Marler became well-known for his sense of humour during his 15-year stay with Quins but was often criticised for his disciplinary record.

Rugby has experienced a turbulent few years in England, with Wasps, Worcester Warriors and London Irish all closing their doors since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maher talks UK life, PWR debut nerves and mission to help grow women’s game

Video credit: TNT Sports

Maher, who looks set to feature in Bears' Premiership Women's Rugby match with Leicester Tigers on Saturday, believes players in the women's game are used to having to shine off the pitch as well as on it due to their significantly smaller pay packets.

"We're a very stoic sport in a way," she added.

"We go on the field, we do our job, and that's how it's been.

"What's important is how you play on the field; that's the biggest thing in both [men's and women's rugby].

Maher makes her Premiership Women’s Rugby debut – ‘The eagle takes flight’

Video credit: TNT Sports

"They're under constant criticism by people, so their job is on the field, that's what they get paid for, to have a good performance there.

"For women, our contracts are to play on the field, but that's a tiny contract that isn't going to [provide] a comfortable living, so that's where we have to do more off the field."

Stream the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+

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