Maher is probably the most adopted rugby union participant – male or feminine – on social media. Her profiles have amassed greater than eight million followers throughout Instagram and TikTok.
Having lengthy been an advocate for physique positivity and girls’s sports activities, since claiming bronze as a part of the USA’s rugby sevens aspect on the Paris Olympics final summer season, Maher’s profile has solely continued to skyrocket.
This autumn she was a runner-up on tv present Dancing With The Stars and Maher has additionally been featured prominently by Forbes and Sports activities Illustrated.
At Ashton Gate, a documentary crew from US manufacturing home Whats up Sunshine – an organization based by Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon – was following Maher’s each transfer for a future challenge.
Maher may solely be on a three-month take care of Bristol, as she switches again to XVs within the hope of choice for the USA on the Rugby World Cup this summer season, however followers walked in carrying shirts emblazoned together with her identify throughout the again.
One had travelled about 4,000 miles together with his household from Louisville, Kentucky to see the sport. One other got here from Washington DC.
Maher mentioned she was “proud” of the impression she has made, however rugby nonetheless has work to do to showcase extra athletes within the sport.
“I’ve seen the facility in it, I’ve seen the facility of individuals connecting with the person after which going to the game,” Maher mentioned.
“If we will have extra folks join with Holly Aitchison, Jaz Joyce, Evie Gallagher, that brings them in.
“That is my aim – I like being a famous person and folks name me the famous person of rugby however that is not sufficient for the game, we won’t simply have one famous person.
“We have to have extra, we have to have folks connecting with so many alternative gamers and that’s what will develop our sport.”
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, 2025-01-05 19:21:00
