Features

Cruelly trolled Alfie Pugsley heading to Premiership Final

by
Ben Redwood
26 January 2022

An U12’s rugby player is heading to June’s Premiership final following an outpouring of support from the biggest names in rugby after Alfie was subjected to online abuse.

Had to remove a post from Facebook as an idiot commented saying my boy is to "big" to play under 12s and isn't healthy. If only people knew how hard he works to get fitter and how low his confidence has been. Don't worry Alfie I'll always be your biggest fan. pic.twitter.com/cDkA9BQOG8
— Mark Pugsley (@Puggster) January 23, 2022

Alfie has accepted the Premierships invite to June’s showpiece event.

We are delighted that Alfie has accepted our invitation to come to the Final!! 🙌

Keep going, Alfie! We hope to see you playing in the Premiership one day 👊https://t.co/fP4fUif6l7
— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) January 24, 2022

A Premiership spokesperson told Sky News: “Once we saw the story on social media at the weekend we wanted to make sure that Alfie knew he is a valued member of the rugby family.”

The story reminds us of the beauty of the rugby family. However, it reminds us of the ugly side of social media.

A number of individuals posted support for Alfie, from top level international rugby players, referees and even England cricketer Dom Bess.

Alfie keep going and enjoy it mate! Don’t listen to any of those idiots that say mean stuff ❤️ and yes I want to see you at a Gloucester game ASAP 😁😂 let me know when you’re keen 👍🏼
— Louis Rees-Zammit ⚡️ (@LouisReesZammit) January 24, 2022

From all of us at The Rugby Paper – keep enjoying the game you love, Alfie.