U.S. Olympic women’s rugby player draws more national and local interest to the sport

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — As the spotlight stays on Illona Maher and the U.S. Women’s Olympic Rugby Team, women in the Stateline are also becoming enamored with the physical team sport.

“People loved it, and it’s gotten more people into rugby,” said Maher. “It’s gotten me noticed by brands and it’s become a really cool outlet.”

Maher also talked about the impact her social media following has had on the sport she loves. Wren Felton, Captain of the Rockford Ravens Women’s Rugby Team spoke about that impact right here in Rockford.

“I think that’s huge as far as putting a spotlight on it, highlighting the benefits and the good aspects of it, and then making the fun,” said Felton.

The Ravens have the longest-running sports program in the city and for 50 years they have been representing the forest city through rugby.

Thanks to the 2024 Summer Olympics, the sport is getting more attention.

“So it’s really great to be able to see it on TV and just see the game get spread,” said Felton.

Skip Grinnell has played for decades and said with this attention he is allowed to take part in his favorite part of playing the game, teaching others.

“I love teaching the game,” said Grinnell. “99% of the people that come out here have never played before.”

“When I started in high school, there were maybe four teams throughout the Iowa, Illinois, Indiana State area, and now there’s a surplus of teams where we can actually travel, have games, different divisions, and the women’s league, in general, continues to grow,” said Grinnell.

The U.S. Women’s Olympic Rugby Team won its first medal ever on July 30th, receiving bronze in this year’s Summer Olympics.

If you are interested in participating or watching a game, the schedule can be found on their websi t e .

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