“So many times people forget, but I am a rugby player first.”Social media sensation Ilona Maher – who has nearly nine million followers across her Instagram, TikTok and X channels – made clear before USA’s opening game against England that she wanted her rugby to do the talking.”I am proud to do both but I do want to be known as a rugby player,” Maher told BBC Sport.The 29-year-old has certainly done that, playing in every minute of USA’s World Cup campaign, making 163 metres and forcing three turnovers.Despite finishing the tournament with a 60-0 win over Samoa, the United States failed to reach the knockout stages, with Australia going through on points difference after both sides played out a thrilling 31-31 draw in round two.Maher’s team-mates might be heading home, but she is planning to stick around.”It’s been amazing, England [as Rugby World Cup hosts] have really stepped up and done so much for women’s rugby and the opportunity to change it,” Maher said.”We still have three more weeks of this! I hope all the girls get to take it to new heights. I’ll be watching all the games.”It’s too cool to not go to the knockout stage of the World Cup.”
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Women’s Rugby World Cup: Ten best moments from pool stage
