RFU Council Member Penalized for Discriminatory Facebook Post
A Rugby Football Union (RFU) council member has been deprived of certain privileges for seven months following a discriminatory social media post targeting television pundit Maggie Alphonsi. The sanctions include the loss of tickets to England rugby matches, complimentary meals, and travel expense reimbursements.
Matthew Smith, representing Warwickshire on the 62-member RFU council, posted on Facebook during the broadcast of France's 48-46 victory over England in March, questioning, "can someone please explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men's rugby?"
A disciplinary panel consisting of three members found that Smith, whose profile picture featured him wearing an England-branded top, violated the council's code of conduct. This code enforces a "zero-tolerance approach" towards discrimination and harassment and prohibits public statements that could harm the reputation of the game or the RFU.
Alphonsi Responds to the Punishment
Maggie Alphonsi, a former England international who earned 74 caps and was part of the 2014 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, expressed disappointment with the severity of the punishment, suggesting it could have been more stringent.
"He is now not allowed to attend Allianz Stadium and access his privileges, but can still actively serve as a council member," Alphonsi said.
"This incident has had greater ramifications on myself.
"I have to publicly defend myself which will likely lead to further misogyny and sexism from people who equally hold this view. I also have to drag this incident up again rather than be done with it, which has obviously led to greater frustration and distress.
"Going forward I will now likely have to endure further criticism, but Mr Smith initiated this incident and the only punishment he will receive is not getting hospitality tickets to some England games.
"I am extremely disappointed with this. It shows sexism and misogyny still exists within the game and it's important it is stamped out and called out."
Background on Alphonsi's Career and Advocacy
Alphonsi has previously spoken out against abuse encountered in her media career. In 2021, she highlighted that her achievements surpass those of individuals who have subjected her to sexist trolling during coverage of a Six Nations match between France and Italy.
Since retiring from professional rugby in 2014, Alphonsi has pursued a media career, becoming the first female former player to work on men's Test rugby broadcasts in the UK when she appeared on ITV Sport's coverage of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. She was also elected to the RFU council in 2016, becoming the first female former player to hold such a position, and served for nine years.
Alphonsi was part of the England team which beat Canada to land her country's second Women's Rugby World Cup in 2014.
Smith's Response and Apology
Smith removed the offending post and accepted the charges against him. Following the disciplinary decision, he sent a letter of apology to Alphonsi, explaining that he had not contacted her earlier due to the belief that the proceedings were confidential.
"I can assure you that I had no intent of causing any offence and that unfortunately I made an error of judgement which was hampered by personal stress and anxiety," he stated.
has reached out to Warwickshire RFU for comment regarding Smith's role as its representative.
RFU Council and Governance Reforms
The RFU council, a body once famously criticized by former England captain Will Carling as "57 old farts" in 1995, is currently undergoing reform. A governance review led by chief executive Bill Sweeney aims to reduce the council's size and transition its role to an advisory capacity. The council includes representatives from England's counties, the military, and Oxbridge institutions.
Although council positions are unpaid, they come with hospitality benefits, which for England men's Test matches, can amount to several hundred pounds per fixture.
