SUNDERLAND, England — Ilona Maher’s mission at the Women’s Rugby World Cup is about more than just winning games. Heading into the United States’ tournament opener on Friday, the world’s most followed rugby player on social media wants to get more eyeballs on the sport as it ramps up attempts to crack the market in America.

Ahead of the Rugby World Cup, U.S. star Ilona Maher said, "It's so much easier to be yourself than anybody else."

U.S. rugby player Ilona Maher said she is contemplating an offer to participate in WWE wrestling as a stepping stone to Hollywood after the Women's Rugby World Cup that kicks off on Friday in England.