Ilona Maher Named 2023 U.S. Rugby Athlete of the Year After Dominating Women's World Cup Season.
(New York, NY) — The United States Rugby Football Union has officially announced that Ilona Maher has been named the 2023 U.S. Rugby Athlete of the Year, recognizing her historic performance during the Women's World Cup season. Maher, a standout back, led the national team in tries scored and overall offensive contributions, propelling the Eagles to a top-five global finish. The announcement, made Thursday at a press conference in Manhattan, highlighted her pivotal role in multiple international test matches where she recorded a try-scoring average of one per game. Her leadership on and off the field, including efforts to promote women's sports through social media, was cited as a key factor in the decision. The award, determined by a panel of coaches and journalists, marks the first time in five years that a player from the women's national team has received the top honor. Maher is now eligible for the World Rugby Player of the Year shortlist.