American Rugby Star Faces Potential Ban

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joseph Hammond | Last updated May 18, 2025 11:16 AM ET

Ilona Maher’s star power was not enough as Australia earned its first win of the Pacific tournament with the United States recording its second loss in a row. However, her appearance was overshadowed by an unfortunate incident on the pitch.

Alev Kelter is facing a big ban from the sport after appearing to step on Georgie Friedrichs of Australia in the match. A disciplinary inquiry will look into the matter.

American rugby sevens star Kelter drew the anger of Australian fans for stepping on an Australian player. Fox News Australia reported she faces a mammoth ban for the collison.

I haven’t seen a stomping of a player on the ground for years in rugby.
Alev Kelter rightly with straight red.
Pity it marred what was a good match - #AUSvUSA #Wallaroos
— Cranky old rugby ref (@Cranky_Old_Ref) May 17, 2025

Alev Kelter is a three-time Olympian and Paris bronze medallist is one of the stars of America’s rugby team. The Australia-USA clash of the Pacific Four tournament was one of the most anticipated of the tournament as a it offered a defacto rematch of the Paris Olympics Bronze Medal Match (albeit with 15s not 7s).

Kelter was sent off with a red card in the 79th minute as the United States after the collision.

Georgie Friedrichs tackled Kelter and appeared to be stepped on repeatedly as Kelter tried to break free.

Team USA was down 19-14 at halftime and eventually the United States fell 19-27 to Australia in Canberra.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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