Published 1 day ago • loading... • Updated 1 day ago

Australia Beats Ilona Maher-Led US Team in Women's Rugby International

Australia defeated the United States 27-19 in a Pacific Four women’s rugby match on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Canberra stadium.
The match marked the Wallaroos’ first win of the tournament and the Americans’ second consecutive loss amid preparations for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Ilona Maher, a Vermont native and 28-year-old social media’s most followed rugby player, played for the U.S. But could not secure a win despite pre-match hype and recent experience at Bristol Bears in England.
At halftime, Australia held a 19-14 advantage and ultimately outpaced the U.S. With four tries to three. Ashley Marsters scored twice for the Wallaroos, while Alev Kelter was shown a red card late in the game for unsportsmanlike behavior.
The result highlights Australia’s growing strength in the Pacific Four Series and signals learning opportunities for the U.S. Team ahead of the World Cup, as Maher acknowledged their faults during the game.

Insights by Ground AI

Does this summary seem wrong?

18 Articles

All

Left

Center

Right

The Record

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Lean Left

Australia beats Ilona Maher-led US team in women’s rugby international

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Despite all the pre-match hype over the world's most-famous rugby player, Ilona Maher wasn't able to help her American team beat Australia on Saturday in a Pacific Four match.

1 day ago·Waterloo, Canada

Read Full Article

The Bakersfield Californian

+10 Reposted by 10 other sources

Center

Australia beats Ilona Maher-led US team in women's rugby international

1 day ago·Bakersfield, United States

Read Full Article

ABC Australia

Lean Left

American sent off for head stomp as Wallaroos claim Test win

Australia has defeated the United States in their Pacific Four Series rugby union Test match, 27-19.

1 day ago·Australia

Read Full Article

The Canberra Times

Lean Left

Maher-ry me? Ilona has fans going wild, now rugby needs to capture them

USA rugby star Ilona Maher has sent Canberrans into a spin as one of world rugby's most marketable stars prepares to lace up the boots against the Wallaroos.

1 day ago·Canberra, Australia

Read Full Article

The Wenatchee World

Maggie Cogger-Orr And Natarsha Ganley Among Elite Officials For Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

New Zealand referees join historic 22-member panel for the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup ever.

1 day ago

Read Full Article

PerthNow

Caslick scores, Wallaroos defy ugly incident in USA win

Charlotte Caslick has scored her first Wallaroos try in a 27-19 defeat of the US that finished with an Eagle red-carded for an incident described as "thuggery".

1 day ago·City of Perth, Australia

Read Full Article

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/year