Why is Ilona Maher’s Red Lipstick the Face of Rugby?

Ilona Maher doesn’t just crash through defensive lines, she does it in style with her unapologetically bold red lipstick that has become her signature look both on and off the pitch.

(Image credit to KVUE)

Breaking Stereotypes on the Field

When Ilona takes the field, she’s ready to hit hard and score big—but she’s also almost always wearing her signature bold red lipstick. But for the US rugby sevens star, it’s more than just makeup. It’s a statement. 

“I wear lipstick to challenge the idea that you can’t be strong and feminine at the same time,” Maher has said. “It’s just something we do to say, ‘F you’ to those standards in what’s thought of as a man’s sport.”

More Than Just a Favourite Colour

For Maher, the bold red lipstick is a deliberate choice. It’s her way of showing that  Female rugby players, and women in sport in general, don’t have to fit into one narrow image of what they should be like. The bright red stands out against the grit and roughness of the game, reminding everyone that “femininity” and “strength” can exist side by side. The bright shade is her reminder, to herself and to others, that you can be powerful, physical, and still express your personality in bold ways.

(Image credit to Getty Images)

Making It Her Signature

Away from the action, Maher’s red lipstick has become a trademark look. Her Instagram bio says, “Probably wearing lipstick,” and fans now associate the bright, bold red shade with her just as much as they do her fearless talent. It’s her symbol of confidence and individuality, proving that athleticism and femininity can not only coexist but complement each other.

A Bigger Message for Women in Rugby

Maher’s bold lipstick is more than a style choice—it’s a cry for women in all sports. It challenges outdated views of what strength should look like and encourages athletes to embrace every part of themselves, whether that means wearing makeup or keeping it bare and natural. By showing up exactly as she wants, Maher proves that performance isn’t defined by appearance; it’s determined by skill, effort, and heart.

Article written by Laila Driscoll