Listen to me. Maher, whose on-field excellence matches her willingness to expose the realities of life as an athlete (her testing of the durability of the Olympic village’s cardboard beds was just one of many insightful videos during her time in Paris), makes her a huge weapon in rugby’s long campaign to break America. However, while Kelce is an ideal supporter for a U.S. market looking ahead to 2028 and onward to the 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s) Rugby World Cups, given Maher’s current reach within the sport, it would be a smart move for her to be heavily involved in promoting the first men’s Rugby World Cup in North America.
We saw France capitalise on this with their promotion of Dupont this year, when he bridged the gap between the 15-a-side format and sevens. However, if rugby is to become global, it needs a cheerleader-meets-ambassador for the game with knowledge of the US, traditional rugby markets, experience of both the Olympics and a Rugby World Cup.
Someone who ticks all of those boxes on his resume, having played a leading role at the 2015 World Cup in England and been a regular guest at the 2012 London Games, is Prince Harry. After stepping down as working royals alongside his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in 2020, one of the patronages the 39-year-old lost was that of the Rugby Football Union. It was one he took on with gusto and one that was continued with grace by his sister-in-law, the Princess of Wales. However, Prince Harry admitted during his memorable interview with Oprah Winfrey three years ago that he was “hurt” by the loss of his patronage, so why not do something else as a kind of ambassador for rugby? And if the job goes well in LA, why not extend it to the 2031 and 2033 World Cups?
The Duke hasn’t had the most positive publicity since his move to Montecito, 90 miles north of Los Angeles, and he seems a man looking for a meaningful mission in his new home. Why not join forces with someone who represents a bright and broader future for rugby, like Maher?
Prince Harry explained the tensions he experienced as one of the most famous men in the world in his controversial autobiography Savebut why wouldn't he use this profile for the sport he loves most?