One punched, one sexually harassed: What led 27 female players to quit rugby club

Twenty-seven women players left Coventry Welsh RFC in the West Midlands after alleging the club failed to address accusations of physical assault, sexual harassment, and widespread sexism. The dispute, reported following an investigation by Telegraph Sport, centers on concerns about player safety that the women say were repeatedly dismissed, leading nearly the entire squad to move to a rival club. Matt Smith resigned from the Rugby Football Union council after a sexist online comment about former England international Maggie Alphonsi, and players say he previously did not properly act on warnings despite being Warwickshire RFU chair. Telegraph Sport reports a physical assault on July 5, 2025 at the Sausage and Cider Festival: a 19-year-old was punched in an “unprovoked” incident, followed by post-concussion symptoms and therapy. A sexual harassment allegation occurred on June 7, 2025 at end-of-season awards night, with no disciplinary action reported by the club.