Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Maggie Alphonsi has criticised the Rugby Football Union’s handling of a disciplinary case after council member Matthew Smith was suspended for seven months over a discriminatory Facebook comment.

Smith, who represents Warwickshire, made the remark during France’s 48-46 Six Nations win over England earlier this year, raising fresh questions about sexism in rugby governance.

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RFU Council Member Loses Privileges

Smith posted: “Can someone please explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men’s rugby?”

An independent disciplinary panel first issued a one-year ban, then reduced it to seven months after considering mitigation. Smith will lose RFU Council privileges and access to RFU premises until 14 December, including match tickets and travel expenses.

He can still attend meetings online and keeps his voting rights. The RFU cannot remove a council member, with that decision resting with Warwickshire and its members.

Alphonsi Speaks Out After Hearing

Alphonsi, who won seven Six Nations titles before retiring in 2014, said the outcome had added to her frustration.

“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.”

Smith later sent Alphonsi an apology letter and said: “I shouldn’t have shared my view online and apologise if this has caused any offence to anyone. Once I realised my error of judgment I immediately removed the post on the Saturday night/early hours Sunday morning.

“I can assure you that I had no intent of causing any offence and that unfortunately I made an error of judgment which was hampered by personal stress and anxiety.”

Official RFU information is available through the Rugby Football Union.