Ilona Maher Makes History as First Rugby Player to Grace Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue Cover
NEW YORK — In a groundbreaking development for the world of sports and fashion, Ilona Maher, the renowned American rugby sevens player, has been named the first rugby athlete to appear on the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, as confirmed by the publication on Monday. The announcement, made via a formal press release, marks a significant milestone in the intersection of professional sports and mainstream media representation.
WHO: Ilona Maher, a 28-year-old standout for the United States women's national rugby sevens team, who recently led her squad to a bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
WHAT: Maher has been selected as the cover model for the iconic annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her the inaugural rugby player—male or female—to achieve such recognition. The feature includes a multi-page photo shoot and an exclusive interview highlighting her athletic career and advocacy for body positivity.
WHEN: The issue is scheduled to hit newsstands globally on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
WHERE: The cover photo and associated content were shot at a private studio in Los Angeles, California, with the official unveiling occurring during a live broadcast event in New York City earlier this evening.
WHY: Sports Illustrated editors cited Maher's growing influence as a social media personality and her vocal advocacy for inclusivity in athletics as key factors in her selection. Industry experts note that her appearance reflects a broader trend of recognizing underrepresented sports, including rugby, within popular culture.
The viral news snippet has already generated millions of cross-platform engagements within hours of the announcement, with fans and fellow athletes celebrating the move as a testament to the rising profile of women's sports.