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25 Nov 2009 10:01:51
England women’s rugby international Maggie Alphonsi is hoping inspiring her country to defeat the world champions is a sign of things to come.
A rain-lashed Twickenham staged the first ever women’s international on Saturday as England beat New Zealand for an historic success.
Speaking afterwards, an ecstatic Maggie said: “It was absolutely amazing. To beat the Kiwis is always a pleasure, but to do it at Twickenham, the home of English rugby where there is so much passion for the game, is amazing.”
Playing in front of a women’s rugby record crowd of 12,000 fans, England overcame the Kiwis in a nail-biting encounter for only the second time ever.
Beaten by the same side just a week previously, England handled the dreadful playing conditions better and held on for a dramatic 10-3 win to square the series.
Delighted with the support, Maggie said: “The crowd was absolutely fantastic and it’s what you want. The more people supporting the women’s game, the better.”
Looking forward to 2010, she said: “Next up for us is the Six Nations in February and March. Then in August, the Women’s World Cup starts here in England. We’ve got a very exciting year ahead.”
The 25-year-old flanker is currently making her comeback from a foot injury sustained during England’s successful RBS Six Nations campaign.
Before the injury, she also represented her country in the inaugural IRB Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in March and inspired England to victory in the Plate competition.
Maggie was awarded a BSc honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science three years ago after completing her studies at Bedford.
The two games against the Kiwis were a repeat of the 2006 Women’s World Cup final which saw England beaten 25-17 in Canada.
Maggie’s performances during that World Cup saw her voted the International Rugby Board’s (IRB) Female Personality of the Year.
She is now approaching 40 international appearances after gaining her first England cap aged 19 and still studying at the University.
Playing her club rugby for the women’s section of Hertfordshire-based Saracens, Maggie is a Club and Coach Officer at the RFUW having previously worked for Sarries as the rugby development officer for their women’s section.
Latest news» 2009» November» Twickers triumph for England's Maggie
