In today’s game, rugby stars are no longer just athletes — they’re global personalities, influencers, and media brands.
From Olympic fame to World Cup glory, these players have built massive audiences far beyond traditional rugby fans.
Here are the biggest rugby stars on Instagram right now.
and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
10. Marcus Smith — @marcussmith10
Instagram followers: ~340k
Smith has become one of rugby’s fastest-growing stars online thanks to his exciting playing style and strong Gen-Z appeal.
Instagram: @marcussmith10
9. Maro Itoje — @maroitoje
Instagram followers: ~352K
Itoje combines elite rugby with fashion, activism, and leadership, making him one of England’s most marketable stars.
Instagram: @maroitoje
8. Louis Rees-Zammit — @reeszammit
Instagram followers: ~448K
The Welsh speedster built a huge following through highlight-reel tries, fashion content, and his crossover move toward the NFL.
Instagram: @reeszammit
7. Quade Cooper — @quadecooper
Instagram followers: ~539K
One of rugby’s original social-media personalities, Cooper’s flashy style and outspoken personality helped him build a huge audience.
Instagram: @quadecooper
6. Cheslin Kolbe — @cheslinkolbe
Instagram followers: ~792k
Kolbe’s electric footwork and viral highlights made him one of the Springboks’ biggest global stars.
Instagram: @cheslinkolbe
5. Dan Carter — @dancarter_
Instagram followers: ~1M
Even in retirement, the All Blacks legend remains one of rugby’s biggest global icons.
Instagram: @dancarter_
5. Antoine Dupont — @antoinedupont9
Instagram followers: ~1.3m
Widely regarded as the best rugby player in the world, Dupont’s popularity exploded after Olympic Sevens success with France.
Instagram: @antoinedupont9
3. Siya Kolisi — @siyakolisi
Instagram followers: ~1.5M
As the inspirational captain of South Africa’s World Cup-winning Springboks, Kolisi became one of the most influential figures in world rugby.
Instagram: @siyakolisi
2. Sonny Bill Williams — @sonnybillwilliams
Instagram followers: ~1.6M+
A crossover superstar in rugby league, rugby union, boxing, and media, SBW built one of the sport’s largest fanbases.
Instagram: @sonnybillwilliams
1. Ilona Maher — @ilonamaher
Instagram followers: ~5.4M
No rugby player comes close to Ilona Maher’s online reach. The Olympic bronze medallist transformed rugby’s visibility through TikTok, humor, body positivity, and mainstream celebrity appeal.
She has become the first true global social-media superstar rugby has ever produced.
Instagram: @ilonamaher
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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