England Womens
Sarah Hunter
Nationality
Age
39
Position
Back Row
Height
177cm
News
Latest
634d Six Nations
Sarah Hunter bows out in style as England hammer Scotland
637d Six Nations
Sarah Hunter interview: 'There's no going back - mentally and physically I'm ready'
638d Six Nations
England legend Sarah Hunter makes retirement call
769d Black Ferns
'Then you're in the wrong place': Sarah Hunter urges England to play without fear
780d Australia Women
Sarah Hunter: England beating Australia makes record 138 caps 'even sweeter'
797d Trending
Sarah Hunter to level all time England caps record against France
Bio
Described by England Rugby as ‘determined and dedicated’, Sarah Hunter is undoubtedly a legend of the game. The former team captain, who is also England’s record appearance maker, played as a number eight for the England women's rugby union team between 2007 and 2023.
Born on 19 September 1985 in North Shields, Hunter began playing rugby at the age of nine. She initially played league but switched codes in 2000 when she joined Novocastrians RFC. Here, Hunter represented the team as a centre and was awarded the Players' Player of the Year for her performances. She later changed to the back row and began to represent the England U19s.
In 2004, Hunter moved to Loughborough for university and studied for a degree in sports science and mathematics. She was selected for the Lichfield Ladies in the same year and remained with the club until 2015.
On the world stage, Hunter enjoyed a phenomenal career. She debuted for England in 2007 and achieved 141 caps. This makes her the team’s most-capped player of all time.
Her feats included leading the squad to victory at the 2014 Rugby World Cup and claiming her 100th cap during the 2017 Rugby World Cup. Next, at the 2021 tournament, Hunter earned her 138th cap. It was this appearance that sealed her record. What's more, she scored a try during the match as England beat Australia 41-5.
As one of the sport’s most gifted, revered and talented players, Hunter’s skill has been recognised across the globe. Her awards include being named as World Rugby Women’s 15s Player of the Year in 2016. She has also been awarded an MBE and a CBE for services to rugby union—she received her MBE in 2015 and her CBE in 2023.
Much to the disappointment of her fans, Hunter retired from the sport in 2023. However, she has remained with the England squad, where she currently works as the team’s defence coach.
It goes without saying that Sarah Hunter has enjoyed a truly spectacular career. As a player who never failed to deliver, we’re excited to see how she shapes the England squad.