Mattel Launches Team Barbie Rugby Dolls

Mattel launched “Team Barbie” on International Day of the Girl, unveiling one-of-a-kind dolls modeled on four women’s rugby stars — Ilona Maher (USA), Ellie Kildunne (England), Portia Woodman-Wycliffe (New Zealand) and Nassira Konde (France) — to inspire girls to pursue sports. Most dolls were unique, non-sale tributes presented at events where the players met their miniatures at Allianz Stadium, while Mattel confirmed a production Ilona Maher doll will be available at retail in fall 2026. Barbie introduced a new athletic muscular body sculpt with visible torso and muscle definition used for at least Maher and Woodman-Wycliffe, and the campaign included dolls in team uniforms plus Barbie-branded rugby balls and accessories. As part of its Barbie Dream Gap initiative, Mattel donated £20,000 to the RFU and framed the campaign as a way to challenge stereotypes about female athletes and build girls’ confidence in male-dominated sports.