Maher included a video of herself holding up a bag of ice to her face. She also lip-synched, “Been better, Carrie Ann.” (The athlete previously said the phrase last year after Dancing With The Stars judge Inaba asked why Maher was crying after she received tough feedback on her performance.)

The USA Eagles player is also not worried about a potential U.S. ban on TikTok, a platform she has amassed over three million followers on.

U.S. rugby sensation Ilona Maher says rugby union needs to undergo a cultural shift if the sport is to attract new fans. Maher, who earned a bronze medal in rugby sevens with the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has more followers on social media than any other rugby player with over 8 million across Instagram and TikTok.

Social media sensation Ilona Maher has said rugby union needs to undergo a culture shift if the sport is to attract new fans.

Bristol Bears and USA women's rugby star Ilona Maher says the men's game needs more "personality" to promote the sport.