Arguably, no American rugby player has achieved the level of fame that Ilona Maher has. From her time in the Olympic spotlight to her strong presence on social media and appearance on "Dancing With The Stars," Maher has become one of the faces of her sport.

Ilona Maher became a household name at the 2024 Paris Olympics and is now one of the most visible athletes in global sport. Now comes her next big act at Women's Rugby World Cup.

Rugby authorities see America as a vital new market for the sport. The United States will stage the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2031 and the women’s tournament in 2033.