Motivational Maggie the Machine

Maggie Alphonsi MBE is passionate about Rugby and the transformational impact the sport has on her life.

Known as “Maggie the Machine” for the power she brings to her game, Maggie started out playing in a London school and rose through the ranks of Rugby to become World Champion this summer.  The England women’s team won the final of the seventh women's Rugby World Cup against Canada in Paris 21 - 9 on 17 August 2014.

After winning the Tournament, Maggie took on the role of Rugby World Cup 2015 Ambassador, along with Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Greenwood and Jonny Wilkinson. The four ambassadors will be sharing their sporting enthusiasm and making official Rugby World Cup announcements in the run up to the Tournament.

Maggie Alphonsi after her team's victory
(Photo credit: RFU archive)

Maggie said: “I visited Brighton’s football stadium at Two Years to Go until Rugby World Cup 2015. It’s an absolutely brilliant venue. Brighton has big games in the Tournament and it’s going to be amazing. The venue atmosphere of a football stadium is different and it will be good to see Rugby on the pitch. Also the Brighton people are the best, lots of fun and sure to enjoy it all.”

Inspiring young players

Balfour Primary School’s Tag Rugby Team was invited to be the “Guard of Honour” at an England vs Australia match played at Twickenham.

The trip included a tour of the RFU Museum, visiting the changing rooms and a chance to play on the pitch.

The experience was a reward for the school’s 2013 – 2014 Tag Rugby Team placing second in the 2014 National Schools Final.

The RFU gave two extra tickets. These were given in a random draw to two of the current Year 6 Tag Rugby Team – Fred and Esmee. 

Our trip to Twickenham by Esmee and Fred

Esmee and Fred

Esmee, Balfour Year 6 Tag Rugby Squad 2014 - 2015

Going to Twickenham, watching a live rugby match and performing the Guard of Honour was brilliant. The whole experience was amazing but my favourite part would be standing in front of 82,031 people performing the Guard of Honour – just surreal! 

I couldn’t believe how massive they were! Standing on the real Twickenham grass and scoring tries, standing in exactly the same place as professional rugby players was incredible.

Next year the RWC are taking the players to Brighton. I am desperate to go and see them with my sisters!

Fred, Team Captain, Balfour Year 6 Tag Rugby Squad 2014 - 2015

The experience was amazing, playing on the pitch and walking out to do the Guard of Honour to 82,000 people at Twickenham. The Australian and English players were so close to me, as they sung ‘God Save the Queen.’

After we played on the pitch, before the game, we walked backed through the tunnel, Chris Robshaw was inches away from me! Then when we finished the Guard of Honour we did a minute of applause for Philip Hughes. 

After that we went back to the changing rooms before the match began, just before that, when we were on our way back, we brushed past Jonny Wilkinson who was commentating on the match!!

I will never forget it!

Balfour pupils at Twickenham