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Instagram, TikTok can help rugby reach younger audience, Hong Kong Sevens star Maher says

The American Olympic medallist, who is the world’s most followed rugby player, believes her stoic but ‘amazing’ sport needs more personalities

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Ilona Maher takes a selfie with fans after her debut in English club rugby for Bristol Bears. Photo: Reuters

Social media sensation Ilona Maher said rugby union needs to undergo a culture shift if the sport is to attract new fans.

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Maher, who last year won rugby sevens bronze with the United States at the Paris Olympics and starred at the Hong Kong Sevens, has more than eight million followers across Instagram and TikTok, making her the world’s most followed rugby player.

She was also a runner-up in the most recent series of US television show Dancing With The Stars, and made the cover of the digital edition of Sports Illustrated magazine’s swimsuit issue.

Maher, 28, has signed a three-month contract with English women’s Premiership side Bristol, in the hope of becoming a member of the United States squad for the women’s Rugby World Cup in England later this year.

The versatile back has already made her presence felt, helping draw a Bristol record crowd for a women’s game when she made her debut against Gloucester-Hartpury at Ashton Gate.

 

And she marked her first start for Bristol by scoring a spectacular try to inspire a 41-31 win against southwest rivals Exeter on Sunday.

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