EXCLUSIVE: Maggie Alphonsi won’t be afraid to mislead anyone during the World Cup

The World Cup hasn’t even started yet, but Maggie Alphonsi has already gotten under the skin of England base player Joe Marler. He didn’t take well to her claim that England looked “unfit and out of step” when they lost to Ireland and took her to task.

He responded to X, formerly known as Twitter, with two different emojis – one yawning, another sleeping – suggesting he was bored with her criticism.

“It took Joe three days to get back to me and a few emojis were all he could think of,” Alphonsi said mischievously. ‘I’m English and I want them to be well, but they were poor.’ It had to be said.’

As a player, Alphonsi fears no one and will become a familiar figure to TV viewers throughout the World Cup with her candid views.

The 2014 England World Cup winner certainly doesn’t mince her words and when asked if she thinks Scotland will qualify from the World Cup group, she replies with a resounding ‘no’.

Maggie Alphonsi will become a familiar figure to TV audiences at the World Cup

Alphonsi got under the skin of Joe Marler, who she said looked “unfit and out of step”.

“But that’s only because South Africa seem to be putting all the momentum into the opening game after that incredible win over New Zealand,” she said. “Also, Ireland are world No. 1 for a reason, they always find a way to win.”

“Scotland have some quality players and Finn Russell is a real game changer.” As a back row player, I enjoy watching Jamie Ritchie who is an impressive captain. Jack Dempsey was doing well at eight and I’m a big Hamish Watson fan – if he gets a chance at the World Cup he can impress.

“If I’m looking for something positive against South Africa, it has to be Duhan van der Merwe.” Get him on the ball and he can do damage. As for Scotland, I’m worried because they started the warm-up games slowly and even fell behind at half-time against Georgia.

“They have real talent there, but the draw wasn’t exactly pleasant.” For me, it will be a final between South Africa and France, where France wins. They may not have Romain Ntamack but with the home support they can win it.”

The 39-year-old, who has two children with her wife Marcella, has been watching the progress of women’s football in Scotland and was delighted to see Scottish Rugby appoint their first female president back in 2018 when Dee Bradbury took over the top job.

“It was great to see and it was a big breakthrough,” said Alphonsi, who ran unsuccessfully for RFU president. “It hasn’t happened to me, but it’s great that Debbie Griffin will be taking over as RFU’s first female president in 2025.”

“Scotland got their first place, which is good for them.” But there needs to be a door open to give women an equal chance to get to the top. These cannot be isolated cases.

“The Scotland women’s team is evolving and Matt Banahan (former England international) is a good addition to their coaching staff.” “It’s all about investing in and supporting the future.”

She said Scotland will not qualify from the World Cup group because South Africa and Ireland are strong

She believes that the perception of women’s rugby is constantly improving, citing an awards ceremony in Glasgow in 2006 where she was named IRB International Women’s Rugby ‘Personage’ of the Year.

“Actually it was player of the year and it was the year that Richie McCaw won the IRB International Player of the Year award and he was called that,” Alphonsi recalled when she published her newly published biography ” Winning The Fight”.

“Women’s football hasn’t had the visibility and standing it has now and it certainly hasn’t received the recognition it has now, hence the wording of my award as personality rather than player of the year.”

“That wouldn’t happen today at awards shows because the world was different back then.”

“Women’s rugby is growing and there are role models for young players.”

Maggie Alphonsi’s Winning the Fight is available now from Polaris Publishing.