Rugby Football Union Council member Matt Smith has resigned over discriminatory online comments he posted about World Cup-winning former England international Maggie Alphonsi.
Smith, the chair of Warwickshire RFU, has stood down from his position and therefore his role as the country’s representative on the RFU Council over criticism made on Facebook during France’s 48-46 men’s Six Nations win over England in March.
In a post which has since been deleted, he questioned what the television pundit, a 74-times-capped England flanker, knew about men’s rugby.
A statement on Warwickshire RFU’s website read: “On behalf of Warwickshire RFU, we would like to announce that Matt Smith has resigned from his position as chair of Warwickshire RFU, in light of a recent disciplinary process.
“The Board has accepted his resignation and will begin work on finding a replacement chair and RFU Council member in the coming weeks.
“We recognise that this situation has raised important concerns and, as a constituent body, we want to be clear that we take issues of sexism and misogyny seriously. Creating a respectful, inclusive environment across our game remains a priority for us all.”
Smith, who accepted the charges against him and has reportedly written to Alphonsi to apologise, was stripped of the perks of his position – including tickets to England games, free meals and travel expenses – for seven months after a hearing in front of an independent disciplinary panel.
On Monday, the Women’s Leadership Collective had written to the RFU urging the body to change its constitution and dismiss Smith.
Reacting to the news on social media, Alphonsi said: “I’m so pleased to read this news, but this incident does still serve as a timely reminder that change needs to happen. Thank you to everyone who has shown their support, made their voices heard and shared their experiences, in particular, the Women’s Leadership Collective. I am truly grateful for the open letter.
“We must remember, change doesn’t stop here. Real change will occur when outdated views are eradicated and the leadership within our game better reflects the community it serves.”
PA
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