'Nothing is guaranteed': Ilona Maher confirms LA28 ambition

The world’s most-followed rugby player, Ilona Maher, has announced her return to the rugby pitch.

Maher, 30, has more social media followers than any other player and has spent an extended period away from the game after her involvement at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 with the USA Women’s Eagles.

A two-time Olympian and bronze medalist at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Maher has spent the past year establishing herself as a household name in the USA. During this time she has launched the House of Maher podcast and web series, Power Hour with Ilona.

Recently, Maher travelled to New Zealand with Emilie Bydwell’s USA Women’s Eagles Sevens squad to compete at the Mount Maunganui Sevens. The tournament formed part of the team’s preparations for the new HSBC SVNS Series season. The 30-year-old made it clear that her intention over the next two seasons was to gain selection for the 2028 Olympic Games that will be hosted in Los Angeles.

Maher wrote on Instagram: “LA28 Olympics Loading… The rumours are true – my cleats are back on and I’m working toward competing at the LA 2028 Olympics!

“After taking some time away after winning bronze at the Paris 2024 Olympics and experiencing so many incredible opportunities off the field, I’m back to work with USA Rugby.

“Nothing is guaranteed on the road to LA28, and earning a spot on that Olympic roster will take everything I’ve got – but I’m ready to put my head down, lift the weights, do the work, and see what we can do on home soil in Los Angeles.

“Getting the chance to represent Team USA in Los Angeles means everything to me so thank you all for supporting me through every chapter – on and off the pitch. Let’s get to work!”

Maher’s first action of the 2026/27 HSBC SVNS Series season could begin with a trip to Dubai at the end of November, before all 24 teams roll into Cape Town on the first weekend of December. As host nation of the 2028 Olympic Games, the USA have already secured qualification for the tournament.

Last year the USA Women’s Eagles Sevens finished third on the SVNS Series and fourth overall after three HSBC SVNS World Championship stops. This included a second-place finish in Valladolid.

Having already helped the team secure a podium finish at the Olympics, Maher now wants to repeat the feat again, although this time at home and maybe even with a different colour medal.