Ilona Maher to Make Rugby World Cup Debut for USA Against England
Sunderland, England – Ilona Maher, the American athlete who has rapidly become a global rugby icon, will make her debut in the 15s Rugby World Cup when the USA faces England on Saturday. Maher’s inclusion marks a meaningful moment for the sport, bringing increased attention and a new wave of fans to the game.
From Sevens to Fifteen: Maher’s Transition
Over the past 18 months, Ilona Maher has emerged as a prominent figure in rugby, garnering over eight million followers on social media and helping to broaden the sport’s reach. She transitioned from rugby sevens to 15s in late 2024, specifically to compete in the 2025 Rugby World Cup for the United States.
Did You Know? Maher’s social media presence has been instrumental in attracting a younger, more diverse audience to rugby, demonstrating the power of athlete-driven content.
USA Faces Host Nation England in Opening Match
Maher has been named in the starting lineup for the USA’s opening match against host nation England. The former Bristol Bears player will start at outside center, marking her frist appearance in a 15s World cup game. She will line up alongside fellow Olympic medalist Alev Kelter at inside centre.
Since joining the 15s setup, Maher has demonstrated versatility, playing both outside centre and on the wing. Though, she has primarily been deployed in the centre position while representing the USA.
Key Matchups: USA vs. England
Maher will be directly opposed by England’s dynamic centre pairing of Tatyna Heard and Meg Jones, both recognized as among the best in the world. Heard recently secured a third consecutive PWR title with Gloucester-Hartpury, while Jones has experience in both sevens and 15s rugby.
USA head coach Sione Fukofuka praised loose head prop Hope Rogers, calling her ”the best loosehead in the world” ahead of the match. England will be captained by Zoe Aldcroft, with world Rugby Player of the Year Ellie Kildunne at full-back.
Team Lineups
Here’s a detailed look at the starting lineups for both teams:
| England | USA |
|---|---|
| Hannah Botterman | Hope Rogers |
| Amy Cokayne | Kathryn Treder |
| Maud Muir | Paola Suga |
| Morwenna Talling | Tahlia Brody |
| Abbie Ward | Erica jarrell-Searcy |
| Zoe Aldcroft (Captain) | Cate |
| Kabeya | Georgie Perris-Redding |
| Alex matthews | Rachel Johnson |
| Natasha Hunt | Olivia Orthiz |
| Zoe Harrison | McKenzie Hawkins |
| Jess Breach | Buloo Monitor |
| Tatyana Heard | Alev kelter |
| Megan Jones | Ilona Maher |
| Abby Dow | Emily henrich |
| Ellie Kildunne | Lotte Sharp |
Both teams have named strong benches, with England’s Emily Scarratt set to appear in her fifth Rugby World Cup.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the centre matchups – the clash between Maher, Kelter, Heard, and Jones will be a pivotal battle in this opening game.
What are the key takeaways from this match?
This opening match is crucial for setting the tone for both teams’ campaigns. A strong start will be vital for building momentum throughout the tournament. Will Maher’s debut spark the USA to an upset victory against the formidable Red Roses?
The outcome of this game coudl significantly impact the pool standings and determine each team’s path to the knockout stages. Fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this exciting clash of rugby titans.
The 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup represents a significant milestone in the growth of the sport. Increased investment in women’s rugby, coupled with the rising popularity of athletes like Ilona Maher, is attracting new fans and sponsors. The tournament is expected to break viewership records and further solidify rugby’s position as a global sporting force. The trend towards professionalization within women’s rugby is also gaining momentum, with more players securing full-time contracts and access to enhanced training facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ilona Maher and the Rugby World Cup
- What position does Ilona Maher play? Ilona Maher plays outside centre for the USA Women’s Rugby team.
- Has Ilona Maher played in a Rugby World Cup before? This is Ilona Maher’s first Rugby World Cup appearance in the 15s format.
- What is ilona Maher’s background in rugby? Maher previously excelled in rugby sevens and has recently transitioned to 15s.
- Who is the USA playing in their first match? The USA is playing England in their opening match of the 2025 Rugby World Cup.
- Where is the 2025 Rugby World Cup being held? The 2025 Rugby World Cup is being held in England.
We hope you enjoyed this preview of the exciting matchup between the USA and England! Share this article with yoru fellow rugby fans, and let us know your predictions in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe to World Today News for more in-depth coverage of the 2025 Rugby World Cup and other global sporting events.
