Maggie Alphoni is hopeful to be a part of the women’s Rugby World Cup that will take place in England this September. Her rugby career has been decorated from the time she was 19-years-old when she received her first England cap. In 2006, at just 22-years-old, she was voted the International Rugby Board Women’s Personality of the Year.
Voice-online caught up with Maggie in this interview:
When did your first love of rugby begin?
“I officially started playing rugby at the age of 13. I started at secondary school in Edmonton. My PE teachers got me into the sport. I was initially into other sports like football, netball and athletics. Rugby was not a big sport in north London it’s always been very much football.”
Did you have a natural talent for rugby?
“I am a true believer that anyone can be the best in their sport. It’s important to find the right sport for you. The good thing about rugby is that it combines a lot of things. I always think is does not matter what size you are, big, small, skinny, fast or, slow – there is a place for you in the game.”
What motivates you?“I think the fact that I am good at something, and I want to be even better, that’s it!”How did your mom response to you becoming a rugby player ?““To start of with, she was never really a fan of rugby. I think that is more because of my African background. The sport she absolutely loves watching is tennis. She hoped that I would be the next Serena or Venus Williams…and she is still hoping (laughs). Mom has grown to love the sport, she knows the rules now. When we are doing really well she is very happy, and when we are not, she does get a bit upset for me”What is it like being the only black player in the England team?“Honestly, as I came through the rugby ranks I guess I have always been the only black person in my team. In my club team, which is based in North London, there are a large proportion of ethnic people in my team. As I have gone higher up, there is less ethnic minorities taking part in the sport, but it’s not an issue for me. In term of racism, I have never experienced it, whilst playing and touch would I hope I don’t ever in my career.”