Azzi Fudd joins Ilona Maher's show, reflects on Connecticut roots and Quinnipiac rugby cut

Azzi Fudd and Ilona Maher, two of the most recognizable figures in women's sports, began their respective ascents toward stardom around 50 miles apart in Connecticut.

Maher reached the Nutmeg State first when she transferred to Quinnipiac in 2015, winning three national titles with the Bobcats before emerging as a women's rugby pioneer for Team USA and in England's Premiership Women's Rugby. Fudd, meanwhile, was a five-year star for the UConn women's basketball program and debuted in the WNBA this season.

Fudd made an appearance on "Power Hour with Ilona Maher" on Thursday, a gym-themed digital series in which the two players recalled their experiences playing college sports in Connecticut while working out together.

"I went there because they had good rugby and good nursing," Maher said. After learning that Maher attended college in Connecticut, Fudd asked whether the Quinnipiac rugby program was still good, giving Maher a chance to express her displeasure with the school's recent decision to cut the program .

"Still very good, except they just cut the program," Maher said. "So, that's a whole different thing."

Later, during a discussion about tattoos, Maher showed off an inscription of the Roman numeral III, commemorating the three national titles she won during her time at Quinnipiac.

Fudd also spoke about her experience as a Connecticut athlete, saying one of the biggest differences between the college game and the WNBA is the passion and team focus of UConn fans and other NCAA fan bases around the country. Off the court, Fudd also said Connecticut's proximity to New York allowed her to attend events like New York Fashion Week and collaborate more frequently with designers and fashion houses.

Maher, who has more than six million followers on Instagram and has appeared on "Dancing With the Stars," is looking to take another step into the sports media mainstream with the latest episode of "Power Hour," which began three weeks ago and features notable guests such as Kylie Kelce and influencer Bretman Rock.

Thursday's episode was filmed before Fudd began experiencing soreness in her right knee early last month, which eventually led to season-ending surgery for the rookie.