American Maher, 28, is the most followed rugby union player in the world on social media, with 4.5 million Instagram followers and 3.2 million followers on Tik Tok!
The centre or wing won Olympic bronze with the USA rugby 7s team at the Games in Paris last summer and signed a contract to play for Bristol in December, which came into effect this month.
Such was the furore over her acquisition that Bristol’s clash with defending champions Gloucester-Hartpury Women last Sunday (Jan 5) had to be moved to Ashton Gate, the home of men’s football team Bristol City FC beacuse the usual home ground of Shaftesbury Park did not have sufficient capacity.
Club officials revealed that almost 8,000 tickets were pre-sold which prompted the relocation of venue. Ultimately, a club record crowd of 9,240 watched Maher make her debut, which ended in a disappointing 40-17 loss.
Despite Maher’s colossal social media following, it is Harlequin’s full-back Ellie Kildunne who is currently rated the world’s best player in the women’s game. With her devastating on-field skills and film star looks and appeal, she could possibly go on to eclipse Maher in the global popularity stakes.
The popularity and success of both players will only help to encourage further development in the game, with more female superstars emerging and proving that playing rugby union can be a very lucrative career which can also lead to further modelling and sponsorship opportunities.
One only need look at the USA Women’s Rugby 7s team recently securing a US$4 million (B13.8mn) sponsorship from American businesswoman, philanthropist, investor and owner of multiple professional sports teams Michele Kang for their 2028 Olympic preparation.
Meanwhile, World Rugby has appointed Ocean Outdoor UK, a leader in premium Digital Out of Home (DOOH) advertising and experimental activations, as their DOOH media partner for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Ocean have pledged to promote and showcase women’s rugby like never before, with the London-based fan zone highlighting all that London and England has to offer.
The women’s Rugby World Cup takes place from Aug 22 to Sept 27 across eight separate locations and tickets are available now at www.tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.
Elsewhere, in the Gallagher Premiership Harlequins struggled to a hard-fought win against Newcastle -14-38, with the former’s defence and forward power eventually proving the overwhelming factor.
Gloucester made a mockery of Sales’ recent form with a 36-20 win, while Leicester struggled to beat a much-improved Exeter 28-15, only going ahead when Exeter was reduced to 14 men late in the second half.
Saracens proved what an exciting team they can be and, with emerging number 8 Tom Willis staring, they will be there at the finish. Willis should be in the England back row and could be a bolter for the Lions squad to tour Australia.
Last season’s champions Northampton have had a poor season and languish near the bottom. However, in a gripping clash with leaders Bath last weekend they won with the last kick of the game 35-34. Maybe their season starts now.
The Global Rugby Coach, Mike Penistone, is a globally renowned professional rugby coach based in Phuket who is also an ambassador for the Asia Center Foundation, a charity for disadvantaged children. For more information visit: www.rugbycoachingconsultancy.com.