Maggie Alphonsi says banter is a 'grey' area

Former England rugby player Maggie Alphonsi believes dressing room banter is a "grey" area and players need to speak out if they believe it goes too far.

The FA apologised to Eni Aluko and Drew Spence after evidence found the two players were subjected to "discriminatory remarks on the grounds of race" by former England Women's head coach Mark Sampson.

Lee Kendall, the goalkeeping coach for England, is being investigated over alleged unacceptable behaviour towards Aluko.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Alphonsi, who was part of England's 2014 Rugby World Cup winning team, said: "Banter is in sport, but the word can sometimes be used for different reasons. I think that it's important to recognise that if you're going to give banter then you have to know the individual.

"If team members feel that the banter has gone too far then they have to call it out. If it's becoming an uncomfortable situation for that individual then team members, captains, vice-captains, senior leaders, need to do something about it."

She added: "I think it's also important to recognise banter between a coach and a player. A coach has to recognise their professional responsibility and if you are going to use certain comments you have to understand that there will be implications from that.

"The word banter is very grey, and if you're going to use it you need to understand the potential that could come from it."

Before announcing her international retirement in 2014, Alphonsi helped England win a record seven consecutive Six Nations titles.

She also played as a flanker for Saracens and was named Sportswoman of the Year in 2010, before winning the team award in 2014.

You can watch coverage of the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards in association with Vitality on Thursday from 8pm with live coverage underway on Sky Sports Mix, Sky Sports Arena and Sky Sports Main Event.