SHOW MAHER THE MONEY

ILONA MAHER has urged clubs to stump up the cash in women's sport - or expect stars to tap into social media.

- BY JAMES TONEY

With nearly 10 million online followers, the American winger says she'd drop the influencer life in a heartbeat if women's rugby paid a fair wage.

From reality TV to modelling swimsuits for Sports Illustrated (circled, bottom left), she's even been linked with a switch to professional wrestling.

But she insists the focus is on making her Rugby World Cup debut against England in Sunderland tonight.

Maher said: "When someone starts paying me a million dollars then they can challenge me about what I do on social media until then they can shut up.

I sometimes wish I could just perform as an athlete, just choose like the men do about how much of myself I want to put out there.