ONE of the most famous names in women’s rugby was in action at Trowbridge RFC’s Doric Park ground on Sunday.

Maggie Alphonsi, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2012, was one of several internationals to feature as Saracens Ladies took on Bristol Ladies in the RFU Women’s Premiership.

The match was switched to Trowbridge’s new facilities in Hilperton after Bristol’s pitches became unplayable due to the recent weather.

Flanker Alphonsi, 30, was named as the Sunday Times sportswoman of the year in 2010 and has previously claimed the prestigious Pat Marshall award from the Rugby Union Writers’ Club, pipping New Zealand’s World Cup-winning captain to become the first woman to claim the prize in its 50-year history.

The 65-times capped England international has played in two World Cups and in 2012 and, in 2012, shared in a record-breaking seventh successive Six Nations title and a sixth Grand Slam in seven years with her country.

Alphonsi’s Saracens won the match 29-12 and will be crowned Premiership champions if Richmond fail to defeat Bristol with a bonus point in the final game of the season.

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