“To all of you… women’s rugby is changing. It is making the world a better place. Please keep coming out and supporting. Fill these seats! Women support women. Come and help us.” With these powerful words, American rugby star Ilona Maher signed off after completing her three-month contract with Bristol Bears on March 4. Her message wasn’t just a farewell—it was a rallying cry for change. How? Maher’s time in the Premier 15s league was more than just a stint on the field. It was a bold statement! Her unwavering passion for women’s sports and sports as a whole shone through as she urged fans to fill the seats and keep showing up. Because women’s rugby isn’t just growing—it is transforming the sporting landscape. However, Ilona’s entire statement wasn’t about rugby only! But her words carried some weight!

In a world where female athletes often face criticism and relentless scrutiny, Ilona Maher’s voice breaks through with hope. She understands the power of visibility—how every filled seat, every cheer, and every act of support helps dismantle the barriers holding women’s sports back. Her words express a renewed hope that fans will not only turn out for the sport itself but also for the women playing it, backing them with unwavering solidarity. But is this hopeful message also her way of pushing back against the relentless hatred she has endured?

It can be. Chances are there. How? In her interview with Fiona Thomas of The Telegraph on March 20, Ilona Maher highlighted that particular mindset. She said, “The hate will continue to come, but I’ll continue to fight it off.”  These defiant words from Ilona Maher perfectly capture her fearless mindset. The online attacks against her have been relentless—never ceasing, not even when she took on the challenge of playing a new form of rugby (15s) with Bristol Bears. The critics remained merciless, nitpicking at her persona, belittling her skills, and dismissing her as nothing more than an “Instagrammer.” But Maher knew better!

“The abuse is constant…. I don’t think it will ever stop. What’s so great is that I play a sport with amazing women who know and make me feel good about myself. I have friends and family around me. It’s never going to stop, and even in rugby, we get that constantly,” added Ilona Maher. The 28-year-old was fully aware of the double standards and the cynicism that plagues women’s sports.

In her conversation with Thomas, she pointed out the constant barrage of dismissive comments: “There are the comments, ‘Why would I watch the women’s game?’ I get comments about just being the Instagrammer and ‘She’s not good at rugby.’ It’s going to be constant. It’s about blocking them out and continuing to promote my message.”  And yet, she didn’t flinch. She played on.

Over the next three months with Bristol Bears, Maher let her game do the talking—and the impact was felt far beyond the pitch. Attendance at Bears Women’s matches surged. The team’s social media following skyrocketed by 300%. The Bears also saw a noticeable shift in their fan demographic, with more women aged 25-30 turning up and showing their support. That, right there, is Maher’s ultimate clapback to the haters. Not with words, but with undeniable results. 

The growing crowds, the changing faces in the stands, and the flood of new followers on social media—these are the Olympian’s victories. Proof that her presence and her performance moved the needle for women’s rugby. And now? The fans’ support is shifting. The voices of criticism may still linger, but they’re slowly being drowned out by the cheers of newfound believers. Evidence? 

Ilona Maher finds her fans alongside her in the dark days

“I love my fans.” Ilona Maher dropped those four words in her Instagram story on March 13 while resharing a reel posted by an Instagram handle, Pitch Princess SuperBame. What special did that reel have, though? 

The reel opened with a bold comment from a hater displayed front and center: “Maybe focus on learning 15s before signing a promotional contract.” But then, the reply came in true internet clapback style. The critic was criticized for the words “Random man on the internet” flashing over the screen. Hold on. There is something more. 

In the reel, the fan came with a sharp PS, pointing out that rugby cleats are worn in both 7s and 15s—making it crystal clear that the hater had no idea what he/she was talking about. Soon, it highlighted Maher’s actual career, shutting down the criticism with pure facts. From college rugby star to Olympian, the montage highlighted her achievements: medals, autographs, and a courageous, injury-ridden game. And it didn’t stop there! 

Clips rolled on, showing Maher’s accomplishments such as finding herself in Sports Illustrated’s pages and Bristol Bears’ jersey. Then, the reel ended with a final shot of Maher, perfectly captioned: “Hope this helps.” Did it help? Ilona Maher thinks positively, though.