Ilona Maher is rugby's biggest star. Can she transform the Women's Rugby World Cup?

Ilona Maher achieved multiple high-profile milestones in 2024, including competing at the Paris Olympics, finishing second on Dancing With The Stars, and generating more TikTok views than Taylor Swift. She became the first rugby player, male or female, nominated for—and winner of—the ESPY Best Breakthrough Athlete award. Maher used the ESPY stage to promote the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup, urging viewers to watch. The World Cup features 16 teams, opens with the United States versus favourites England, and is expected to be the tournament's most high-profile and best-attended edition in its 34-year history. Maher returned immediately to play before a record crowd.

It's taken me seven years and two Olympics, but I finally broke through. Amazing stuff,

PSA, there is a Women's Rugby World Cup this year,

Watch it. Tune in.

Read at ESPN.com