Maggie Alphonsi

Maggie Alphonsi was a dominant England flanker known as 'Maggie the Machine' who helped England win the 2014 Rugby World Cup.

Margaret Omotayo Sanni "Maggie" Alphonsi MBE was born on 20 December 1983 in Lewisham, south London, England, to a single-parent family, and was born with a club foot — a condition she trained through with such determination that it never prevented her from playing the sport she loved. She joined Saracens and developed into one of the most feared flankers in the history of women's rugby. Alphonsi made her England debut in 2003 and went on to earn dozens of caps over an 11-year international career, renowned for her explosive tackling and disruptive presence at the breakdown despite standing just 1.63 metres tall. She was part of England's victorious campaign at the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup, the pinnacle of her international career. Alphonsi was named The Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2010, becoming one of the first women's rugby players to receive such mainstream recognition, and was appointed MBE in 2012 for services to the sport. She retired from playing in 2014. Alphonsi was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in November 2016, during the opening ceremony for the Hall's first physical location in Rugby, Warwickshire, and has since built a prominent career as a respected broadcaster and pundit, including regular appearances analysing British and Irish Lions tours.

Alphonsi was renowned for her exceptional work rate and fitness levels, consistently making tackles and carrying the ball with determination. Her low center of gravity and powerful running style made her effective in both attack and defense at the breakdown.

She helped raise the profile of women's rugby union through her performances and subsequent media work, inspiring a generation of female players.

• 2014 Rugby World Cup winner
• multiple Six Nations Grand Slams
• MBE 2012
• World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps
Saracens Women	2003–2014	—
Great Britain	—	74