Home / Sports / RFU Council Member Resigns After Sexist Remark
RFU Council Member Resigns After Sexist Remark
9 Jun
Summary
- Council member resigned after discriminatory social media comments.
- He was banned for seven months for his online remarks.
- The union body stated no room for sexism or misogyny in rugby.
A Rugby Football Union council member, Matt Smith, has resigned after making discriminatory comments on social media directed at Maggie Alphonsi, a prominent former England Women's World Cup player. Smith's remarks questioned Alphonsi's expertise on men's rugby while she was a TV pundit.
An independent disciplinary panel sanctioned Smith with a seven-month ban, stripping him of certain privileges. Despite this, he retained his council position, prompting Alphonsi to call for his removal. She emphasized that sexism and misogyny have no place in the sport.
Warwickshire RFU announced Smith's departure on Monday, stating it was "in light of a recent disciplinary process." The body reiterated its commitment to tackling sexism and creating an inclusive environment within rugby.
