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8 Sep 2010 15:01:35
England women’s rugby international Maggie Alphonsi could have been on top of the world this week.
Instead the 26-year-old flanker, a graduate in 2006 from what is now the University of Bedfordshire, is reflecting on what might have been after narrow defeat in an epic Women’s World Cup final on Sunday evening.
England went down 13-10 to holders New Zealand at Twickenham Stoop, watched by a passionate crowd of more than 13,000 supporters. It was the fourth successive time the Black Ferns had become world champions and England’s third consecutive defeat at the final hurdle.
Maggie said this week: “We came into this tournament to win it. That has always been our focus, so to lose to New Zealand 13-10 in the final is massively disappointing. I feel absolutely gutted. We played our hearts out in the match and we gave absolutely everything, but in the end it wasn’t our day.
“However, this World Cup has been an incredible experience. I’ve loved every minute of it. Women’s rugby is evolving all the time so to be able to show the world just how well we can play has been fantastic. We’ve attracted so many new fans to our sport and hopefully inspired lots of young girls to take it up.”
It was third time unlucky for England and second time for her as the Kiwis had beaten them in the two previous finals, including the 2006 Women’s World Cup final which Maggie played in and England lost 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 has also been nominated for this year’s prestigious award after a string of impressive displays. This included winning player of the match and scoring a try in England’s opening pool match victory over Ireland.
Maggie was awarded a BSc honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science after completing her studies at the Bedford campus. Her achievements are set to be marked by the University next month when she receives an honorary degree.
She has now amassed more than 50 international appearances after gaining her first England cap aged 19 while 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 its women’s section.
Latest news» 2010» September» World Cup final heartache for Maggie
