Ilona Maher: Supports rebel rugby leagues, but demands fair pay

Ilona Maher Analyzes the Future of Women’s Rugby

American rugby star Ilona Maher has voiced her opinion on the potential creation of alternative rugby leagues, suggesting they could be beneficial for the sport. However, Maher emphasizes the crucial need for these new organizations to value and fairly compensate female players. Maher and the United States team are preparing to face England in the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Sunderland on Friday. Even though their immediate focus is on the field of play, the discussion about the emergence of alternative leagues is expected to be a recurring theme during the tournament, where the best female talent will be showcased.

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I have received numerous emails about new initiatives. That’s fantastic. But, let’s get this going and start paying these players fairly and according to their worth.

Ilona Maher

Maher has been contacted on multiple occasions about new projects, but she is waiting to see concrete actions. “I would be interested, but I am not going to lower my value. It’s not just what I contribute on the field, but also off it, and that’s what I consider really important,” Maher stated.

Ilona Maher is one of the most prominent figures in women’s sports. Scott Taetsch/Getty ImagesThe most prominent alternative league currently is R360, with plans to launch its renewed tournament in September 2026. Sources indicate that Maher is one of the main candidates to lead the R360 women’s league. The player is the rugby player with the highest number of followers on social media worldwide, both in the men’s and women’s categories, with 5.2 million followers on Instagram and 3.6 million on TikTok. The Olympic bronze medalist wants more players to express their personality on social media and for potential new leagues to value them appropriately.