Ilona Maher isn’t here to be quietly picked apart on the internet — and she’s had enough.
The Olympic rugby star, Dancing With the Stars runner-up and two-time SI Swimsuit model has taken aim at a strange online trend: people arguing about whether her “body type” is “overweight.”
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Posting on Instagram, Maher tackled the trolls head-on with a powerful video that’s earned applause across social media.
“I think one of the bravest things we can do is learn to love ourselves, learn to appreciate ourselves and learn to find the beauty in our bodies,” she began.
Maher pointed to a tweet about her that had racked up 20 million views — featuring a photo of her on the SI Swimsuitrunway.
“20 million people are looking at my body and debating over it,” she said. “Ladies, it doesn’t matter what you do: you will be judged. You will be told you’re too thin, you’re too thick, you’re too much, you’re too this, you’re too that. In terms of being overweight—yeah, sure. I happen to be thick. I happen to be juicy. I happen to find a lot of joy in food. I happen to not have a body that’s meant to be a size two.”
Some came to her defence by reminding trolls she’s an Olympian — but Maher wasn’t having that excuse either.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an Olympian or not, my body type is beautiful. Yes, it’s bigger than what’s considered beautiful in society, but there is beauty in it. This is not to say I’m not insecure—I’m insecure a lot […] But this is the body I was given, and it’s done amazing things for me.”
Fans rallied around her — and the reaction was fierce:
“🙌 I hope this gets 20 million views x10,” wrote fellow SI Swimsuit model Camille Kostek.
“At 5 feet 10 inches and a lot of muscle, this is a body that’s built like an Amazon through hard work. 🔥🔥🔥 ❤️,” said fitness coach Massy Arias.
One parent nailed what many were thinking:
“Thank GOD my teenage daughters have a role model like you! I would have saved years of therapy if I had a voice like you when I was their age. Thank you with all my heart! 💜”
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ENGLAND
Meet Chloe Rose – the woman behind the England hooker (Luke Cowan-Dickie)
Hailing from Cornwall, Chloe is the long-time partner of Luke Cowan-Dickie and a regular face in the stands, proudly backing her man through thick and thin. But lately, she’s been making waves of her own.
Chloe has kicked off a serious fitness journey – and the results speak for themselves. Her latest transformation has fans double-taking. Check out her progress on Instagram here.
The couple’s biggest team effort? Their son, Arlo – born during the 2020 Six Nations after Chloe announced her pregnancy just ahead of the 2019 World Cup. Luke shared the news with fans at the time:
“So this is my little man, Arlo Cowan-Dickie, and he is already my [world]. Thanks for the kind messages – him and mum are doing great.”
From pitchside snaps to heartwarming family moments, Chloe and Luke aren’t shy about giving followers a peek behind the scenes. And fans can’t get enough.
Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)
Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.
She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”
They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.
Mimi Fall – The new Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)
The Lions captain has officially hung up his bachelor boots after tying the knot with long-time partner Mimi Fall – just weeks before the tour kicks off.
The towering second-row proposed during a sun-soaked getaway to Nigeria and Ghana in August 2024, popping the question at a dreamy waterside resort in Ada, just outside Accra. “It was a beautiful resort,” Maro told the Daily Mail. “I popped the question there.” Job done.
Mimi confirmed the engagement with a sparkling Instagram reveal, flashing the rock and writing: “Mrs I to be.” Cue the collective swoon.
Fast forward to May 25, and the couple sealed the deal with a stylish ceremony in London’s swanky Mayfair. The snaps say it all – pure class, serious suits, and big smiles all round.
Sharing the news online, Maro wrote:
“Scripture says it is not good for man to be alone… I am no longer alone. I HAVE A WIFE. To God be the Glory!!!!”
Meg – Keeps herself out of the spotlight (Ellis Genge)
Fellow England vice-captain Ellis Genge is in a relationship with his partner Meg. The blonde beauty often stays out of the spotlight, so not much is known about her, however, the pair share two sons, who Ellis absolutely dotes on.
Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)
Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.
The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.
Gracie Hand – The long-term couple (Fin Smith)
Student Gracie tends to keep her private life low-key, but Fin posts adorable selfies of them together, sharing glimpses of their relationship with his followers.
Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)
Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.
Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.
