Ilona Maher Brings Star Power to Australia, But Eagles Fall Short Against Wallaroos

Australia recently welcomed the biggest star in women’s rugby to their shores.

Ilona Maher was with the United States Eagles team for a crucial Pacific Four Series showdown with the Wallaroos in Canberra.

Maher initially jumped into the spotlight at the 2020 Olympic Games, where she made TikTok videos taking social media users behind the scenes in Tokyo.

She also delivered the goods playing at centre for the US, scoring three tries before their eventual exit in the quarter-final.

Maher subsequently won a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics, starred in adverts for massive brands, appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and reached the final of Dancing with the Stars.

The 28-year-old is a big attraction in women’s rugby and is eager to use her success to bring more attention to women’s rugby worldwide.

She recently helped to draw a record 10,518 crowd in the US for a match against Canada, but Canberra did not have the same buzz as that game.

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Australian journalist Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks believes key organisations responsible for women’s rugby missed a golden opportunity to promote the sport.

“We’ve got one of the most recognisable female athletes in the world – with a massive following and undeniable cultural influence – in Australia, going up against our beloved national team,” she said.

“And yet, the promotion around this game has been next to non-existent. Where has the advertising been? We didn’t see Maher do any major pre-game media appearances or interviews.

“The reason could potentially be that she wasn’t available to do these, but there’s still an opportunity to publicise that she will be on the ground, playing at GIO Stadium.

“All organisations could’ve played a bigger role in promoting the fact that one of the world’s biggest rugby superstars was playing with the Eagles – and building hype around the Wallaroos, who are an amazing team.”

On the surface, it is hard to argue with her assessment. There were no major interviews, high-profile media appearances or content campaigns before and after the games.

Local rugby fans took to social media to vent their frustration. Some people said they only discovered the game days or hours before kick-off.

Maher was focused on the game and did not want any distractions, but even that is a headline that could capture attention. A megastar putting her team above herself is something of note. There was no promotion, just deafening silence.

Intriguingly, even though traditional advertising was lacking, the betting industry and sports aggregators did their best to raise awareness.

There were odds, predictions and previews on most of the fast withdrawal betting sites in Australia. Rugby bettors knew the game was on and were able to access any winnings speedily.

Social media users also knew the game was happening, thanks to Maher and her now-viral Bunda St and Thicc Thigh Ave post in downtown Canberra.

Wallaroos star Georgina Friedrichs acknowledged Maher’s impact, saying: “Our girls have watched and learned from her. The connections are coming fast.”

Australia learnt a lot because they sparkled against the US team. They went into the half-time break 19-14 up and never let go. The Wallaroos held off a late Eagles push to claim a 27-19 victory and seal their first tournament win.

The US have now lost successive games following the defeat to Canada on home soil. After years of playing sevens, Maher is still getting the hang of the 15-a-side game. She had a mixed night.

However, even though she was not at her best, the fans were happy to see her perform. Australian flanker Tabua Tuinakauvadra summed it perfectly: “This is the first game my friends are coming to watch me play rugby, but they are coming to watch Ilona first.”

Women’s rugby in Australia cannot afford to waste this rare type of star power. Failing to coordinate promotion around this match was undoubtedly a missed opportunity.

Maher has the power to attract fans and international attention. The match could have helped convert some new fans into followers of the sport.

With with the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup around the corner and other tournaments on the horizon, the sport must collectively must tap into her popularity.

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!