Pro-Vice-Chancellor, it gives me great pleasure to present Maggie Alphonsi MBE for the award of Doctor of Health, in recognition of her extraordinary achievements as a pioneer of English sport, whose influence has resonated far beyond the touchlines. Her illustrious eleven-year international rugby union career included helping to deliver a record-breaking seven consecutive Six Nations titles between 2006 and 2012, six of them Grand Slams, shaping a golden era for the national side and elevating standards for all who followed.
Winning the Rugby World Cup in 2014, Maggie was integral to England’s historic triumph in France, a landmark victory that ended a two-decade wait and affirmed the rising stature of the women’s game on the global stage. Eleven years later, just four months ago, a sold-out Twickenham saw our current Red Roses win the Rugby World Cup again, building on the foundations of those players, including Maggie, who came before.
On the field, Maggie was famed for her fearless presence in the back row, earning the moniker “Maggie the Machine” for a work-rate and defensive ferocity that lifted those around her and intimidated even the most seasoned opponents. Her performances exemplified her relentless commitment, clarity of purpose, and inspirational leadership, virtues she has carried into every facet of her post-playing life.
After earning 74 caps and scoring 28 tries for England, and after leading her club side Saracens to a league and cup double, Maggie hung up her boots in 2015.
In 2012, Maggie was appointed an MBE for services to rugby. In 2016, she was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame, testament to a career marked by courage, consistency, and competitive brilliance.
Beyond the white lines, Maggie has continued to break barriers and shape culture. In 2015, she became the first former female player to commentate on men’s international rugby, a milestone that broadened the public voice of women in sport and enriched the discourse around the game. She has since contributed to coverage across a wide range of media outlets, bringing incisive analysis and rare insight to audiences around the world.
Her leadership within the sport is equally distinguished. In 2016, Maggie became the first England Women’s player elected to the Council of the Rugby Football Union, where she has helped guide strategy with particular focus on diversity and inclusion, championing pathways that welcome, develop, and retain talent from all backgrounds.
What truly distinguishes Maggie Alphonsi is the purpose that animates her work. From ambassadorial roles and charitable initiatives to mentoring and advocacy, she has consistently used her platform to grow participation, advance equity, and empower the next generation, turning personal accomplishment into collective opportunity. She reminds us that success is not merely the sum of victories, but the capacity to inspire, to open doors, and to leave the game, and society, better than we found it.
Maggie Alphonsi MBE is a world champion, Hall of Famer, commentator, and advocate, whose life and work continue to inspire us to aim higher, work smarter, stand together, and to do all of this with a smile.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor, I present to you Maggie Alphonsi MBE who is eminently worthy to receive the degree of Doctor of Health, honoris causa.