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The most followed rugby player in the world, Ilona Maher, has announced her return to the rugby field.
Maher, 30, has more social media followers than any other player and has spent an extended period out of the game since competing in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 with USA Women’s Eagles.
A two-time Olympian and bronze medalist at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Maher has spent the past year establishing herself as a household name in the US. During that time she launched House of Maher podcasts and web series, Power Hour with Ilona.
Recently, Maher traveled to New Zealand with Emilie Bydwell’s USA Women’s Eagles Sevens team competing at the Mount Maunganui Sevens. The tournament was part of the team’s preparations for the new HSBC SVNS Series season. The 30-year-old made it clear that her goal over the next two seasons was to qualify for the 2028 Olympics, which will be hosted in Los Angeles.
Maher wrote on Instagram: “LA28 Olympics Loading… The rumors are true – my dice are back and I’m working on competing in the LA 2028 Olympics!
“After taking some time off after winning bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics and experiencing so many incredible opportunities off the field, I’m back working with USA Rugby.
“Nothing is guaranteed on the road to LA28, and it will take everything I’ve got to earn a spot on that Olympic list – but I’m ready to put my head down, pick up the weights, get the job done and see what we can do on home soil in Los Angeles.”
“Getting the opportunity to represent Team USA in Los Angeles means everything to me, so thank you all for supporting me through every chapter – on and off the court. Let’s get to work!”
Maher’s first action of the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS Series season could begin with a trip to Dubai at the end of November, before all 24 teams pack into Cape Town on the first weekend in December. As the host nation of the 2028 Olympic Games, the USA has already secured qualification for the tournament.
Last year, the USA Women’s Eagles Sevens finished third in the SVNS Series and fourth overall after three stops at the HSBC SVNS World Championship. This includes the second place in Valladolid.
Having already helped the team secure a podium finish at the Olympics, Maher now wants to repeat the feat, but this time at home and maybe even with a medal in a different color.
