Maggie Alphonsi post costs Matthew Smith seven RFU months

Matthew Smith has lost the perks of his Rugby Football Union council role for seven months after posting criticism of maggie alphonsi on Facebook. He will keep his seat on the 62-strong council, but the punishment cuts him off from England tickets, free meals and travel expenses during that period.

Smith’s Facebook post

Smith, who represents Warwickshire, wrote during coverage of France’s 48-46 win over England in March: "can someone please explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men's rugby?" A three-person disciplinary panel found that he had breached the council’s code of conduct.

The rules set out a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment, and they also forbid public comments that could damage the game or the RFU’s reputation. Smith removed the post and accepted the charges against him.

Alphonsi’s response

Alphonsi said she felt let down by the level of punishment. "He is now not allowed to attend Allianz Stadium and access his privileges, but can still actively serve as a council member," she said. "This incident has had greater ramifications on myself."

She added: "I have to publicly defend myself which will likely lead to further misogyny and sexism from people who equally hold this view." She also said: "I also have to drag this incident up again rather than be done with it, which has obviously led to greater frustration and distress."

Alphonsi said: "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." She described the outcome as deeply disappointing and added: "It shows sexism and misogyny still exists within the game and it's important it is stamped out and called out."

Smith’s apology

After the punishment, Smith sent Alphonsi a letter of apology. He said he had not contacted her sooner because he thought the proceedings against him 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 wrote.

Alphonsi’s standing in the sport has long carried weight. She played for England 74 times, was part of the team that beat Canada to win the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup, became the first female former player to work on men’s Test rugby in the UK in 2015, and was elected to the RFU council in 2016. She served there for nine years, making the seven-month loss of privileges a discipline that leaves her colleague on the council while narrowing what comes with the job.