RFU council member punished for Maggie Alphonsi comment on Facebook Matthew Smith, an RFU council member, received a seven-month suspension of his privileges for a discriminatory Facebook comment about former England player Maggie Alphonsi. Alphonsi stated she was “disappointed” with the punishment, believing it reflects the persistence of sexism and misogyny in rugby. Smith has apologized for his “error of judgment” and removed the post.

• An RFU council member, Matthew Smith, has been suspended for seven months.
• The suspension follows a discriminatory Facebook comment about pundit Maggie Alphonsi.
• Smith’s RFU Council privileges and access to premises are removed until December 14.
• He retains voting rights and can attend meetings virtually.
• Alphonsi expressed disappointment, citing ongoing sexism in the sport.
• Smith has apologized for his comment, calling it an “error of judgment”.
• Alphonsi was the first former women’s player to pundit men’s Test rugby in the UK.