‘Trailblazer’ Ilona Maher showing the way, says World Rugby chief

ILONA EFFECT: Ilona Maher is the world’s most-followed rugby player on social media. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA

World Rugby chief Alan Gilpin is convinced Bristol Bears TikTok sensation Ilona Maher is just what the sport needs as momentum builds towards this summer’s World Cup in England.

The versatile American back – a breakout personality from the Paris 2024 Olympics – is now the world’s most followed rugby player on social media, with a whopping 3.4 million followers and counting on TikTok.