RFU council member punished for Maggie Alphonsi comment on Facebook

• Matthew Smith has privileges temporarily removed

• Rugby pundit Alphonsi ‘disappointed’ with outcome

A Rugby Football Union council member has had his privileges suspended for seven months after making a discriminatory comment about the England World Cup winner and pundit Maggie Alphonsi.

Matthew Smith, who represents Warwickshire, made the comment on Facebook about the 42-year-old during France’s 48-46 win against England in the Six Nations earlier this year. He posted: “Can someone please explain to me WTF does Maggie Alphonsi know about men’s rugby?”