Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Importance of Body Positivity

The result of the Women’s Rugby World Cup was not the only thing discussed on September 27, 2025. Rugby is a sport of strength, precision, and perseverance. The physical toll players feel is immense, but sometimes the mental toll is also abundant. Body positivity and acceptance have become the most significant topics of conversation within the sport, and for good reason. “Women in Sport” claims that, in the UK alone, millions of girls are dropping out of sports, one reason being a lack of confidence in their skin. However, with the Women’s Rugby World Cup taking place this year, certain members of the rugby community must be spotlighted for their contributions to societal acceptance and positivity. Two being United States 15’s player, Illona Maher, and England 15’s player, Sarah Bern. 

Illona Maher’s social media presence has brought many advantages to the women’s rugby community. With her popularity gaining through her journey to a bronze medal in the 2024 Summer Olympics, Maher always ensured her platform was used for education on body positivity. Maher publicly announced statements like, "Here I am with yet another gentle but firm reminder that it is OK to exist in a bigger body," and "A lot of us are not meant to be small.” Her message that beauty and capability do not come from size has been loud and clear, especially toward younger rugby girls. At 5 feet 10 inches, 200 pounds, Illona Maher is proud of her body. It does not define who she is, and no number on the scale will determine what she is capable of on the pitch. In the end, Illona shares with all, “So yeah, I do have a BMI of 30. I am considered overweight,” she said. “But alas, I’m going to the Olympics and you’re not.”

Similar to Illona Maher, England’s Red Roses prop Sarah Bern has used the media as a way to inspire. Bern has openly admitted to having been personally affected by body image anxiety. Growing up, she always felt insecure about being the biggest girl in the room, feeling that she was not good or pretty enough for anyone. For a period, she even started eating less and working out more, trying to mold to what societal standards portrayed as beautiful. However, when she attended rugby camp, her technique and game had worsened due to her weight loss. After this devastating camp occurred, Bern began to reverse her mentality. She saw her body as a powerful force that should not be messed with, and acknowledged that her size is required for success in her sport. Currently, at twenty-eight years old, Bern can deadlift an astonishing 210 kilograms and bench 110 kg. Furthermore, as a prop, she must hoist her teammates in the air and keep the scrum from collapsing, so maintaining her physique is essential. Bern now uses her social media presence to spread positivity about the struggles that once impacted her, and her bubbly essence has been crucial in encouraging societal body acceptance. 

Watching women play rugby is astonishing. The power and force they must exert to successfully assist their teammates are impressive. However, many women could not be the players they are without the bodies they have. That is why, in all, leaders such as Illona and Sarah prove to be perfect role models. Societal pressures of looking or being a certain way definitely do not define their success, and their ability to extend wisdom to the younger generations is empowering.