Maggie Alphonsi

Maggie Alphonsi MBE is one of the most powerful voices in sport and female empowerment today. A household name in international rugby and beyond, Maggie overcame significant adversity to become a global icon in a male-dominated sport. Born in South London with a club foot and raised by a single mother, Maggie’s journey to success is one of resilience, determination and grit. Her story resonates with audiences far beyond sport – whether she’s speaking to business leaders, students or athletes, Maggie inspires change through her authenticity, humour and insight.

Throughout her career, Maggie redefined what it means to lead. As a flanker for Saracens and England, she earned 74 international caps, scored 28 tries and helped England secure a record-breaking seven consecutive Six Nations titles, including six Grand Slams. Her crowning moment came in 2014, when she was an integral part of the team that won the Women’s Rugby World Cup, ending a 20-year drought. That same year, Maggie was named to the World Cup Dream Team, and two years later, she was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame. She was also named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year in 2010 and received an MBE in 2012 for services to rugby.

Since retiring from international rugby, Maggie has become a prominent figure in the media and a respected voice for inclusion and leadership. In 2015, she made history as the first ever former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby for ITV Sport. She has appeared regularly on Sky Sports, BBC Sport and The Telegraph, where she became the first female rugby columnist. In 2016, Maggie broke another barrier as the first England Women’s player elected to the RFU Council, where she plays a key role in the Diversity & Inclusion Steering Group. Her influence now extends across the sporting landscape and into business, education, and charitable work.

Maggie is an ambassador for leading brands including Mastercard, Vodafone, Sage and Howden, and supports causes such as Britain Get Talking, SKRUM and Steps. A passionate speaker, Maggie captivates audiences with talks on leadership, overcoming adversity, performance mindset, working in male environments, and transferring skills from pitch to boardroom. She holds a BSc and MSc in Sports & Exercise Science, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Arts. Whether in the boardroom, on stage or in schools, Maggie Alphonsi continues to lead by example – empowering others to break barriers and believe in their potential.