Most followed rugby star Ilona Maher set for move to Premiership Rugby

With an Olympic bronze medal in her trophy cabinet, Maher isn’t just a force on the pitch. She’s rugby union’s biggest social media personality, boasting a jaw-dropping 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million fans on TikTok.

Dancing With The Stars Runner-Up
Fresh from her stint on Dancing With The Stars—the US equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing—Maher finished as the show’s runner-up last week. The 28-year-old hasn’t wasted any time turning her attention back to rugby.

The RFU confirmed to BBC Sport that they’ve provided "governing body endorsement" for Maher’s visa, opening the door for her to join the English top-flight.

Bristol Bears or Gloucester-Hartpury?
Although Maher’s next club remains under wraps, reports suggest she’s been in talks with both Bristol Bears and Gloucester-Hartpury.

The move would see Maher resume her XVs career, potentially gearing up for the 2025 Rugby World Cup. While she’s made her name in sevens, her XVs experience includes just two caps for the USA, earned in 2021.

"Is it about time I get back to the pitch?"
On Friday, Maher dropped a major hint about her rugby return. She shared a highlights reel on Instagram, captioned with the teasing question: "Is it about time I get back to the pitch?"

Maher’s arrival in the Premiership Women’s Rugby would be a blockbuster addition—both on and off the field.

Here’s the lowdown on the four rugby figures who’ve landed on Marler’s bad side.

Marler’s feud with England’s 2003 World Cup-winning coach, Sir Clive Woodward, has been brewing for years. Things heated up when Woodward tore into Eddie Jones’ side during a webinar, particularly slamming Marler and fellow prop Dan Cole for their behaviour in a press conference ahead of England’s loss to South Africa in November.

Unimpressed, Marler fired back after reading Woodward’s comments on RugbyPass. Taking to Twitter, he directly called out the coach, tweeting: "Change the record Sir Clive – you should be grateful you can 'milk the cow' for another three years."

Joe Marler has never shied away from taking a stand, and his public clashes with Israel Folau are a testament to that. Folau, whose homophobic views caused uproar in the rugby world, became a frequent target of Marler’s defiant humour.

In a series of tweets aimed at Folau, Marler attached pictures and GIFs of men kissing – a gesture that drew widespread praise from players and LGBTQ fans alike.

Marler later gave Folau an ironic nod by naming him in his dream team. On choosing the former Wallabies fullback, he quipped: "On the night out, after we had played our match on the Saturday, I’d take him out in Brighton to The Blue Oyster… a couple of clubs."

Marler’s relationship with Marland Yarde turned sour when the winger made an unusual mid-season switch from Harlequins to Premiership rivals Sale Sharks in 2017.

Speaking about Yarde’s exit, Marler admitted: “I hadn’t spoken to the bloke in 18 months. I’d lost the plot with him a good while ago. Let him be, let him do his own thing, because I’d given up on it.”

He added: “He’s one of those to just leave, as he won’t change in my mind. Me and him just don’t get on.”

One of Marler’s more heated rivalries unfolded in 2011, when Leicester Tigers prop Marcos Ayerza clashed with him during a fiery Premiership match. Both players saw red as referee Wayne Barnes stepped in after Ayerza headbutted Marler, who retaliated with a series of well-placed punches.

The incident remains one of the most explosive moments in Marler’s career, cementing Ayerza’s place on the England prop’s “not-so-favourite” list.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!