Ilona Maher named to lead USA in Women’s Rugby World Cup opener against England
Ilona Maher has been named in the United States starting lineup for Friday’s Women’s Rugby World Cup opener against England, with the versatile back set to make her 15-a-side World Cup debut at Stadium of Light in Sunderland. Maher, who can operate at centre or on the wing, has swapped from the seven-a-side game to the 15s format for this tournament.
The 29-year-old represented the United States in rugby sevens at the Olympic Games and helped the team win bronze in Paris last year, the nation’s first Olympic medal in the sport. 15-a-side matches are significantly longer than sevens, with regulation time lasting 80 minutes compared to 14.
Maher’s move to the Bristol Bears on a three-month contract in December 2024 was aimed at earning a World Cup place. She played eight games for the Bears and crossed for four tries, underscoring her impact at the club level as she makes the switch to 15s.
Beyond her on-field exploits, Maher is one of rugby’s most recognizable figures, with about 8.8 million followers across Instagram and TikTok combined. She rose to prominence during Tokyo 2021 behind-the-scenes content and was listed on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in December.
How to watch the United States at England (Women’s Rugby World Cup)
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, United Kingdom
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET Friday (7:30 p.m. local)
Television: CBS Sports Network (U.S.) | BBC (U.K.)
Streaming: Fubo (U.S.)
A standout moment from Maher’s club debut was a crowd-pleasing attendance record at Bristol Bears’ home game against Gloucester-Hartpury, as more than 9,000 fans packed the venue after a venue switch to Ashton Gate to meet soaring demand. Maher reflected on her role in growing the sport, saying, “It’s cool to be the face of a sport that isn’t thought of as a women’s sport. It’s a men’s sport. So to be the face of it and also the impact I’m having is felt across both men’s and women’s rugby.”
The United States, coached by Australian Sione Fukofuka, have a storied World Cup history, winning the inaugural tournament in 1991 and finishing as runners-up in 1994 and 1998. Known as the Eagles, the U.S. were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Canada in their last appearance in 2022. England, hosting the World Cup for the second time, finished as runners-up in 2022 after losing to New Zealand in the final.
Fukofuka emphasized the challenge ahead, noting England’s recent form while expressing confidence in his squad’s ability to compete for 80 minutes. “England are World Number 1, and we expect them to be physical, accurate and confident for the full 80 minutes,” he said. “They have a strong set piece and threats across the field, but we have a strong set piece too and the potential to attack with purpose while defending with discipline.”
Commentators and fans alike will be watching how Maher translates her sevens experience and social-media-driven presence into a high-intensity 15s World Cup stage. Her selection signals a bold push by the U.S. program to leverage versatility and speed as they face a formidable England side.
Overall, this kickoff marks a positive milestone for the growth of women’s rugby in the United States, showcasing Maher’s leadership as she takes center stage in a tournament that promises physical, high-level rugby and a hopeful start for the Eagles.