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Top ten players to follow on social media at the Rugby World Cup
By Ciara Fearn
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup fast approaching, the excitement isn’t just on the pitch – it’s lighting up screens everywhere.
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Beyond the tackles, tries and triumphs, today’s rugby stars are connecting with fans off the field in a whole new powerful and meaningful way.
Through social media the rugby stars are able to share training insights, behind-the-scenes moments, TikTok trends (including dance moves!), Instagram reels and various glimpses of life off the field.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the sport, following these ten players on social media (Instagram & TikTok) will be the ultimate way to experience the game and its myriad of personalities up close.
1.IlONA MAHER (USA)
Instagram: @ilonamaher – 5.2M followers
TikTok: @ilonamaher – 3.6M followers
Ilona Maher has become one of the most influential figures in rugby with over 5.2 million followers on Instagram and 3.6 million on TikTok.
She firmly captured our attention during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics with her playful, body-positive social media presence and cemented her global profile at Paris 2024 after winning a bronze medal.
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Celebrated for her honesty, charm and charisma, Maher uses her platforms to showcase the excitement of women’s rugby and break down barriers for female and American athletes.
Followers get to see behind the scenes from locker room banter to emotional sideline moments. She often shows the day-to-day life of an elite athlete in a completely unfiltered, and often hilarious way.
@ilonamaherNot our best look? original sound – Ashley Roberts
2. KATELYN VAHAAKOLO (New Zealand)
Instagram: @katelynvahaakolo – 61.7K followers
TikTok: @claryjeans – 359.3K followers
Katelyn Vaha’akolo stands out as a notable rugby star. She has been making waves in both rugby league and union since picking up the oval ball.
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However, she also comes alive off the field with her humour and vibrant personality drawing fans in- sharing glimpses of her life from training sessions and personal reflections to light-hearted, everyday funny moments and trends.
Her social media not only highlights her commitment to the sport but also celebrates her culture – offering an honest and inspiring look at the journey of a top-level athlete.
3. GEORGIE PERRIS-REDDING (USA)
Instagram: @georgielillypr – 13.4k
TikTok: @georgielillypr – 5k
The USA Eagle back-rower and Sale Sharks captain, blends sheer athletic grit with candid glimpses into her life off the pitch.
Her Instagram is filled with post ACL recovery content, match-week routines and leadership in action.
On TikTok, Georgie lets her playful side shine. She often shares candid moments with her twin sister, team banter and behind-the-scenes clips with team mate and friend Ilona Maher amongst others.
Perris-Redding shares training highlights including fun, light-hearted squad antics and her accounts give fans an authentic look at both the dedication and personality that drive life in elite rugby.
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4. ERICA JARRELL-SEARCY (USA)
Instagram: @rick_jarrell.searcy – 27.6k
TikTok: @its_richarddd – 114.4k
Another American on the list! Erica Jarrell-Searcy is a smart and driven USA Eagle. The Harvard student graduated in Molecular and Cellular Biology meaning the 26-year-old has had to balance life as a professional rugby lock with her academic studies.
On Instagram, Jarrell-Searcy offers a peek into her daily life from training sessions and game highlights to candid, real moments balancing her life as a student and athlete.
On TikTok she brings a lively, fun energy and shares clips that show her fabulous personality off the field as well.
For fans who value both smarts and authenticity, Erica’s content gives a genuine look at what it takes to succeed in rugby while juggling life beyond the pitch.
5. ELLIE KILDUNNE (England)
Instagram: @elliekildunne – 81.9k
TikTok: @elliekildunne – 22.7k
Ellie Kildunne, England’s well-known electric fullback has built a strong following thanks to her fearless style on the pitch and her creativity off it.
Her Instagram reels showcase everything from slick training sessions and match highlights to playful edits with teammates, capturing the energy of the Red Roses perfectly.
On TikTok Kildunne joins in on trends and shares behind the scenes footage, giving fans a more relaxed and realistic look at life with the squad.
Her content balances professionalism with personality whilst reflecting the same excitement and unpredictability that define her play on the field.
6. SARAH BERN (England)
Instagram: @sarahbern3 – 39.4k
TikTok: @sarahbern3 – 17.8k
Sarah Bern brings fierce front-row energy and off-field charm to both the rugby and social media worlds.
As a powerhouse prop with real presence she has a knack for explaining the nuts and bolts of the game in a way that feels informative but easy to follow.
There’s plenty of fun too with teammate banter and training-ground clips mixed in. On Instagram she shares everything from the grind of gym work to the build-up before big games, giving a real look at the life of a front-rower.
Over on TikTok she loosens things up with skits and light-hearted takes on rugby. It’s a mix that shows both her knowledge of the game and her personality, making Bern a standout to follow.
@sarahbern3 Being a women is hard, especially when you’re built different. Growing up I just didn’t understand why I always looked so different to my sisters. Now I know I was built for sport and my body allows me to do so many amazing things. You can be big, sporty, strong and beautiful. Here to try to be the role model my younger self needed. On my journey to help other who feel the same way, let’s grow together and change the sporting world one prop at a time 🫶🏻 🌍 #women #girls #beautifull #powerful #fast #muscle #rugby #sportstiktok #athlete #strong #bekind #fyp #proplayer #prop #onestepcloser ? som original – ¡It🅰️llo
7. LILLI IVES CAMPION (England)
Instagram: @lilli.ivescampion – 4.7k
TikTok: @lilli.ivescampion – 2k
At just 21, Lilli Ives Campion is already making her mark on English rugby. The Loughborough Lightning lock has managed to play her way into the Red Roses squad and looks every bit a star in the making.
On Instagram she gives an honest look at the day-to-day grind from training sessions to game-day snapshots.
Her TikTok captures a lighter side with laid-back clips and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments alongside teammates such as Sarah Bern during their down time in England camp.
Ives Campion’s mix of hard-work on the field and personality off it makes her a genuinely engaging and great athlete to follow.
8. CAITLIN URWIN (Australia)
Instagram: @caitlin.urwin – 5k
TikTok: @caitlin_urwin – 1.5k
Caitlin Urwin is one of the freshest names in Australian rugby and a Wallaroos to watch on the pitch.
The 25-year-old winger heads into the 2025 World Cup as the squad’s only uncapped player, a sign of just how quickly her rise has come.
Away from rugby she works as a hairdresser and that down-to-earth side comes across on her social channels.
Her Instagram and TikTok are full of training clips, match build-up and lighter moments with teammates – plus the occasional nod to her love of horse riding.
9. LAURA DELGADO (Spain)
Instagram: @bimba_lauradelgado – 10.4k
TikTok: @bimba3xv – 1.6k
Spain captain Laura Delgado has long been a cornerstone of Spanish rugby, bringing both power and personality to the front row.
On Instagram, she shares a mix of match photos, training graft and snapshots with teammates that give a real sense of life inside the squad.
Her TikTok is more relaxed, often funny with clips from tours, skills challenges and the odd behind-the-scenes moments that fans wouldn’t normally see.
It’s this mix of serious athlete and easygoing character which makes following Delgado feel like being closer to the heart of Spanish rugby.
@bimba3xv🦁 Cuando no puedes permitir no retarte? SUPA GOOD!!! (from Dog Man) – Yung Gravy
10. KRISSY SCURFIELD (Canada)
Instagram: @krissyyolo – 11.1k
TikTok: @thespeedstump – 16.6k
This one is slightly left field. Although not selected to appear at the World Cup with Canada, Krissy Scurfield is still worth a follow. The 22-year-old is a very exciting young prospect in the Canadian game, already making a name for herself with her speed and fearless approach.
She translates a similar energy through her social channels where she balances life as both an international athlete and a university student at Loughborough where she plays in the PWR.
Her Instagram is full of snapshots and reels from matches, travel and general team life. While her TikTok shows a more playful side, featuring fun challenges, upcoming trends and behind-the-scenes moments.
It’s that mix of competitiveness, personality and fun that makes Scurfield an interesting athlete to follow.
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