Maggie Alphonsi is the face of international women’s rugby and arguably one of the most well-known names in women’s team sports on the planet.

Before announcing her international retirement in 2014, she represented her country an impressive 74 times, scored 28 tries, and helped England win a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns. She was also an integral member of the team that won the 2014 Rugby World Cup for the first time in 20 years, and was part of the team that won the BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year award.

Through her England rugby career she has become a household name but also a media professional, and since retiring she has commentated on live rugby matches for SKY Sports, BT Sport and the BBC. In 2015 she became the first ever former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby when she was signed up by ITV for the Rugby World Cup, and she continues to work with ITV Sport across their rugby coverage.

In 2016, Maggie made history by becoming the first England Women’s player to be elected as a National Member of the Rugby Football Union’s Council. She is one of just four females on the 56-strong Council and her role is to be a person of experience and influence in the Game, which includes a leading role in the Diversity & Inclusion steering Group.