Ilona Maher Dishes on Sports Illustrated Shoot, Rugby Glam, and Trusted Sunscreen!

All good things come in sets of three.

For professional rugby player Ilona Maher, this rings true as she graces the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for the third year in a row.

“I’ve never felt as sexy as I do when I’m working with them,” the 29-year-old Olympic star shared with Page Six Style about her photo shoots for the renowned swimsuit edition.

“I end up wearing numerous swimsuits and posing in various exotic locations. It’s revealing in many ways, but it also makes me feel fantastic. It’s almost like, ‘Go ahead, take my top off!'” she exclaimed.

To prepare for her photo session, Maher turned to an old favorite: Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray, which she relies on for extended periods outdoors, whether on the beach or the sports field.

“I can’t stand farmer’s tans,” the athlete, who also partners with the brand, commented. She added, referring to her intense sport, “I’m out there sweating, tackling. I need something reliable.”

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 (2-Pack)

Since her entire team ends up borrowing her SPF spray — “those little thieves,” she joked — it’s only fitting that Coppertone decided to produce a limited edition Coppertone Sport bottle featuring her image.

“It’s surreal to have something from your locker suddenly showcase your face on it,” said the Vermont native.

Besides sunscreen, Maher’s essential beauty items for game days include Maybelline’s long-lasting Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Self-Starter and Pioneer, her preferred shades of red.

The athlete also mentioned she’s “getting into moisturizing,” with a particular fondness for Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer.

Off the field, Maher is known for her adventurous style choices, including bold cutouts and high-slit skirts, as well as corsets and crop tops, all of which she showcased at this week’s SI Swimsuit launch party.

“Dress in what truly makes you feel confident,” she advised. “If a sweatsuit makes you feel the sexiest, wear it. If you’re uncomfortable in a minidress, it shows.”

She added, “It’s crucial to dress in a way that feels most ‘you.’ It changes your whole vibe.”

With her seemingly endless confidence, it’s no surprise Maher is rumored to possibly lead an upcoming season of “The Bachelorette.”

However, fans may have to be patient to see her handing out roses.

“I’m not sure my ideal man is out there on that show,” Maher mentioned, expressing her desire to meet someone “in the wild.”

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This article was authored by Erica Radol, a commerce reporter at Page Six. With a knack for uncovering what anti-aging skincare secrets celebrities swear by to reporting on the latest fashion collaborations and scoring great deals, Erica brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Prior to her role at Page Six starting in 2025, she covered entertainment, lifestyle, and shopping trends for various notable publications including Us Weekly, The Daily Beast, Entertainment Tonight, Well+Good, and Hearst.