“We go on the field, we do our job, and that’s how it’s been. What’s important is how you play on the field, that’s the biggest thing in both [men’s and women’s rugby].
“They’re under constant criticism by people, so their job is on the field, that’s what they get paid for, to have a good performance there.
“For women, our contracts are to play on the field, but that’s a tiny contract that isn’t going to [provide] a comfortable living, so that’s where we have to do more off the field.”
Maher’s comments echo sentiments made by Newcastle boss Steve Diamond late last year that the sport was “crying out for superstars”.
Rugby union in England has been hit hard financially since the Covid-19 pandemic.
A host of top players, such as former England captain Owen Farrell, have left to chase the riches on offer in France.
Arguably there is no current England player – male or female – that has the same fame as Jonny Wilkinson, Will Carling or Martin Johnson did 20 or 30 years ago, and certainly no current male player who has the reach online of Maher.
“I would love to see more personality from the men’s game,” she added.
“You see it a little bit with your Joe Marlers – but even then I can think only really think of Joe and a few others who have that fun personality to them.
“I just wish we could show that more, but I think that’s where the women’s game, we have to break away a little bit and show that it’s OK to show your personality outside of the field.”
