The “Ilona Maher Effect” describes the significant impact and influence of Ilona Maher, a US Women’s Rugby Sevens player and social media personality, on the growth, visibility, and perception of women’s rugby.
Here’s how Ilona Maher is redefining women’s rugby:
- Increased Visibility and Audience Engagement:
- Maher’s authentic and engaging social media presence, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, has attracted a massive global following, making her the most followed rugby player across both the men’s and women’s games.
- Her content, which includes behind-the-scenes looks at rugby life, humor, and discussions about important issues like body positivity, has brought the sport to a new, younger, and more diverse audience, especially young women who might not have been traditional rugby fans.
- When she joined the Bristol Bears in Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), her debut match set a new attendance record for a standalone PWR regular season match, attracting 9,240 fans, Sports Gazette notes. This highlights her ability to draw crowds and generate interest in the sport.
- Challenging Stereotypes and Promoting Body Positivity:
- Maher openly advocates for body positivity and challenges unrealistic beauty standards, promoting the idea that women’s bodies of all shapes and sizes are capable of amazing things, especially in sports like rugby that celebrate strength and diverse physiques.
- Her phrase “Beast, Beauty, Brains” embodies her approach to redefining femininity and athleticism in rugby.
- Inspiring Future Generations:
- Maher serves as a “real model” for young girls, demonstrating that it’s possible to excel in sports while also being authentic and relatable.
- Her journey, from starting rugby later than some peers to becoming an Olympic medalist and social media star, inspires girls to pursue their passions and embrace their unique identities.
- Elevating the Professionalism and Recognition of Women’s Rugby:
- Beyond her personal popularity, Maher actively uses her platform to advocate for greater investment, professionalism, and media coverage in women’s rugby.
- She highlights the need for better pay and support for women athletes in the sport, according to ESPN.
