An RFU council member has been stripped of his privileges for seven months after posting discriminatory comments about television pundit Maggie Alphonsi.
Matthew Smith, who represents Warwickshire on the Rugby Football Union council, questioned Alphonsi’s expertise in a Facebook post during England’s Six Nations coverage, prompting a disciplinary investigation.
A three-person panel ruled that Smith breached the RFU’s code of conduct, which enforces a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination and harassment.
As a result, he has lost access to match tickets, hospitality, travel expenses and other council benefits, but will continue in his role.
Alphonsi, a 74-cap former England international and 2014 World Cup winner, said she was disappointed by the sanction, arguing it does not go far enough to address sexism and its impact within the sport.
