Maher is the most followed rugby union player on social media, male or female. Her profile has garnered over 8 million followers on Instagram and TikTok.
A longtime advocate for body positivity and women’s sports, Maher’s profile has continued to soar since winning a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. rugby sevens team at last summer’s Paris Olympics.
This fall she was a runner-up on the TV show Dancing With The Stars, and Maher has also been featured prominently in Forbes and Sports Illustrated.
At Ashton Gate, a documentary crew from Hello Sunshine, the company founded by Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, was tracking Maher’s every move for future projects.
Maher may have signed a three-month contract with Bristol as she transitions back to the XV in hopes of being selected for the United States at this summer’s Rugby World Cup, but fans have been coming in wearing shirts with her name on the back.
One person traveled nearly 4,000 miles from Louisville, Kentucky with his family to watch the game. Another one is from Washington DC.
Maher said he was “proud” of the impact he had made, but said there was still work to be done for rugby to showcase more players in the sport.
“I saw the power in that, the power of people connecting with individuals and engaging in sports,” Maher said.
“If more people could connect with Holly Aitchison, Jaz Joyce and Evie Gallagher, so be it.
“That’s my goal. I love being a superstar, people call me a rugby superstar, but that’s not enough for the sport. We can’t have just one superstar.
“We need more, people need to connect with a wide variety of players and that’s what will grow our game.”
