Hear me out. Maher, with her excellence on the field matching a willingness to show the realities of an athlete’s life (her testing of the durability of the Olympic athlete village’s cardboard beds was just one of many insightful videos during her stay in Paris) is making her a huge weapon in rugby’s long campaign to break America. However, as much as Kelce is the ideal supporter to a US market, looking to 2028 and beyond to the 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s) Rugby World Cups, given Maher’s current reach within the game it would be a savvy move for her to be heavily involved in the promotion of the first men’s Rugby World Cup in North America.
We saw France tap into that with their promotion of Dupont this year as he crossed the divide between the 15-a-side format and sevens. However, if rugby wants to go global there needs to be a cheerleader-meets-ambassador for the sport with knowledge of the US, traditional rugby markets, experience at both Olympic Games and a Rugby World Cup.
One person who ticks all these boxes on his CV, with his leading role at the 2015 World Cup in England and as a regular presence at the 2012 London Games, is Prince Harry. Having stepped down along with his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as working royals 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 it has been carried on 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 patronages, so why not let him get involved as an ambassador of sorts for rugby in another capacity? Then if the gig goes well in LA, extend it to the 2031 and 2033 World Cups?
The Duke has not attracted the most positive publicity since his move to Montecito, 90 miles north of Los Angeles, and he seems like a man in search of a meaningful mission in his new home. Why not join someone who represents a fun and broader future for rugby like Maher?
Prince Harry explained the strain he experienced being one of the most famous men in the world in his controversial autobiography Spare, but why not use this profile for the good of the sport he truly loves most?
