SUNDERLAND, England — Ilona Maher’s mission at the Women’s Rugby World Cup is about more than just winning games. Heading into the United States’ tournament opener on Friday, the world’s most followed rugby player on social media wants to get more eyeballs on the sport as it ramps up attempts to crack the market in America.

One of the most recognisable faces in women's rugby, she hosts the ‘Rugby Rodeo’ podcast with fellow Harlequins teammate Jess Breach, offering an intimate look into the world of professional women's rugby.

Maher began playing rugby at age 17. Her father, Michael, played rugby for Saint Michael's College. Ilona had excelled in other sports by the time she was a senior in high school, including field hockey, basketball and softball, but her athleticism shined brightest when she joined a local rugby club in Vermont.