Desert Island Discs

Maggie Alphonsi is a broadcaster and former rugby player. She was part of the England team which took home the 2014 Women’s Rugby World Cup and by the time she retired she’d won 74 caps for her country.

Maggie was brought up in north London and when she was 14 her PE teacher suggested she give the sport of rugby union a try. Maggie joined her local amateur club Saracens and relished the freedom she felt at being able to capitalise on her power and strength on the pitch.

Her first chance to play for England came when she was 19. Maggie started out as a number 12 and then later changed position to become a number seven or openside flanker. This role allowed her to showcase her tackling skills. She was part of the England team which won seven consecutive Six Nations tournaments and retired shortly after winning the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

She became the first female former player to commentate on the men’s game and to join the Rugby Football Union’s Council. In 2012 she was appointed an MBE for services to rugby. She is part of the BBC’s commentating team for this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.

Maggie lives in High Wycombe with her wife Marcella and their two children.

DISC ONE: Fast Car – Tracy Chapman
DISC TWO: They Live in You – Samuel E. Wright (Mufasa) Ensemble – The Lion King, conducted by Joseph Church
DISC THREE: Stand by Me – Ben E. King
DISC FOUR: Woman – Andreya Triana
DISC FIVE: Wake Me Up – Avicii
DISC SIX: You Gotta Be – Des’ree
DISC SEVEN: World in Union – Kiri Te Kanawa
DISC EIGHT: I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross

BOOK CHOICE: The Soul of a Butterfly: Reflections on life’s journey by Hana Yasmeen Ali and Muhammad Ali
LUXURY ITEM: A family photo
CASTAWAY’S FAVOURITE: Fast Car – Tracy Chapman

Presenter Lauren Laverne
Producer Paula McGinley