Ilona Maher, the most-followed rugby player in the world, is rallying fans for a high-stakes Valentine's Day clash between the Bristol Bears and Harlequins. With over 8 million followers across social media, an Olympic Sevens breakthrough, and a "Dancing With The Stars" appearance, Maher is a force both on and off the field. Now, her influence is helping propel women's rugby to new heights, as BBC Sport locks in a historic broadcast deal. Can Maher and the Bears pull off a crucial win against the powerhouse Harlequins in Twickenham?
The biggest star in women's rugby and social media phenom Ilona Maher has made a special appeal to fans given the holiday.
“If you’re in London come on over to the Stoop to watch some action on Valentine’s Day!” Maher said in a social media post on Instagram.
Maher's Bristol Bears are set to face the Harelquinns in the London sub-urb of Twickenham on Valentine’s Day.
Ilona Maher is the most followed rugby player globally, with a combined social media following exceeding 8 million across Instagram and TikTok.
Maher was a breakout star for the U.S. Sevens Olympic Rugby Team in Paris this past summer. She drew even more attention as a contestant on the popular reality show "Dancing With The Stars."
Harlequins is one of the most storied clubs in Rugby, and given that it calls London home, it receives outsized attention in global rugby football.
Maher came on as a substitute on January 5 at the Ashton Gate Stadium, the home venue of the Bristol Bears. That match drew a record breaking crowd of 9,240 fans.
Maher has already Harlequin'stickets for the match against Harlequin's. More than that, the BBC announced this month that they would broadcast the match. As such, the new kickoff time is set at 7:45 pm local time.
Due to Maher's appeal, BBC Sport has reached a deal with Premiership Women's Rugby to broadcast four matches, including the final championship match on March 16.
"This year presents women's rugby with a unique opportunity to accelerate our growth and we are delighted to have broadcast partners like the BBC and TNT Sports to help us take the sport to new audiences,” said Darren Hanley, the head of marketing for the Premiership Women's Rugby.
The Harlequins are currently second in the ladies' table, while the Bristol Bears are currently fourth. For the Harlequin’s homefield advantage in the playoffs is at stake on Friday.
The Bears playoff run aside, Maher is likely set to return to England soon enough.
England will host the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. Maher is angling for a spot on the United States national team in that tournament.
