Maggie Alphonsi: ‘Female rugby players were treated as second-class citizens’

Maggie Alphonsi, the former Saracens and England flanker, is no longer willing to accept being treated as a second-class citizen in the world of rugby. Despite her impressive rugby career, including seven consecutive Six Nations titles and a 2014 World Cup win, she reflects on a time when female rugby players were not given the recognition they deserved.

In a candid interview, Alphonsi discusses the paradox of feeling both grateful and undervalued during her journey as a female rugby player. She admits that, in the past, she was overly appreciative of the opportunities to play for her country and be an ambassador for the sport. However, she now recognizes the need to challenge the status quo and advocate for equal treatment for women in rugby.

Alphonsi’s story is one of resilience and determination. Growing up on a council estate in north London as a person of color from a single-parent family, she defied stereotypes and found her passion in rugby. Despite facing adversity and bullying for not fitting the petite female stereotype, rugby provided her with a sense of belonging and purpose.

Her path to success was not without its challenges. As a woman in what was traditionally viewed as a “men’s game,” Alphonsi often had to juggle her international duties with a full-time job. In one memorable anecdote, she and her fellow female players had to wash their own kit at a World Cup because no one else would do it. These experiences highlight the disparities that existed in women’s rugby.

However, it was in 2014 that Alphonsi achieved her dream of winning the World Cup with England, marking a turning point in the recognition of women’s rugby. She believes that this victory played a significant role in changing attitudes and perceptions of women’s sports.

Alphonsi’s fight for recognition extended beyond the rugby pitch. She came out as gay to her Nigerian mother, who initially struggled to accept it due to her upbringing. Despite the initial difficulties, Alphonsi and her mother embarked on a journey of understanding and acceptance, strengthening their bond.

Now retired from playing, Maggie Alphonsi continues to be a trailblazer. She aspires to become the president of the RFU (Rugby Football Union) and is actively involved in media coverage of the Rugby World Cup in France. Her passion for growing women’s sports and her determination to create opportunities for future generations of athletes drive her forward.

In a world where negativity and criticism persist, Alphonsi has learned to use it as fuel for her determination. She understands that no matter who you are or what you do, there will always be detractors. Her focus remains on creating pathways for others to surpass the achievements of her generation and to ensure that women’s rugby gets the recognition it deserves.

Maggie Alphonsi’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, advocacy, and breaking down barriers in the world of sports. Her determination to challenge the status quo and promote equality in rugby serves as an inspiration to all athletes, regardless of gender.

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More about Women’s Rugby Empowerment

• Maggie Alphonsi: ‘Female rugby players were treated as second-class citizens’
• Maggie Alphonsi’s Rugby Achievements
• Women’s Rugby World Cup
• Maggie Alphonsi’s Advocacy for Women in Sports
• Maggie Alphonsi’s Journey of Acceptance
• Maggie Alphonsi’s Role in the RFU
• Rugby World Cup in France