Maggie Alphonsi MBE, one of the best-known names in women’s rugby, who helped England win a record-breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns and the 2014 World Cup, has been announced as the keynote speaker at the BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards in September.
During her England rugby career, Alphonsi became the face of international women's rugby, representing her country seventy-four times and scoring twenty-eight tries. She was named the Sunday Times Sports Woman of the Year in 2010, won the title of Six Nations Grand Slam Winner six times, and was the first woman to win the Rugby Union Writers Club Player's Pat Marshall Memorial Award as personality of the year in 2010. She was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in November 2016. Alphonsi was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honours for services to rugby.
Since retiring, Alphonsi has commentated on live rugby matches for ITV, BBC and Sky, and featured in a wide array of media outlets. She is also one of just six female members of the Rugby Football Union's 56-strong council.
Alphonsi will share her experience as an athlete and team member, performing under pressure, overcoming adversity and working in a male-dominated environment. Her presentation is sponsored by Pimberly.
John Newcomb, CEO of BMF, commented: "Maggie's remarkable achievements, both as a rugby player and beyond, provide valuable lessons in developing resilience, encouraging collaboration, and nurturing a winning attitude."
The BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards will be held at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield on 16 and 17 September.
