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‘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.

Published: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 7:04 PM
‘Nothing is guaranteed’: Ilona Maher confirms LA28 ambition
Key Things to Know
  • Ilona Maher announced her return to rugby with the goal of competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
  • Maher spent time away from the sport following the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup.
  • She recently joined head coach Emilie Bydwell's squad in New Zealand for the Mount Maunganui Sevens.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Ilona Maher has officially announced her return to rugby with the aim of earning selection for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The 30-year-old Olympic bronze medalist and social media star confirmed on Instagram that she has returned to training with USA Rugby following an extended break from the sport.

Maher recently traveled to New Zealand with Emilie Bydwell's USA Women's Eagles Sevens squad for the Mount Maunganui Sevens. Her competitive return to the HSBC SVNS Series could come as soon as late November in Dubai, followed by an event in Cape Town in December.

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