England captain Sarah Hunter will bring down the curtain on her unmatched Test career by retiring after Saturday’s Women’s Six Nations opener against Scotland in Newcastle.
The 37-year-old has the chance to notch a 141st and final cap for the Red Roses, extending again her record as England’s most capped player of all time.
Hunter was named Red Roses co-captain alongside Marlie Packer for the Women’s Six Nations, but has opted to step down and now has the opportunity for a Test swansong in her home town.
Hunter has captained England for eight years, won the 2014 World Cup, steered England to finals in 2017 and 2022 and has claimed 10 Women’s Six Nations titles and nine Grand Slams.
“I am very fortunate that I have the opportunity to finish on my own terms,” said Hunter.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to do it than in my home town where my rugby journey started. I get to finish in a place that has a special place in my heart in front of my friends, family and Red Roses’ supporters and I feel very fortunate that I’m able to do that.
“This feels like an ending I couldn’t look past and I feel very fortunate that I get to do this.”
Hunter will continue coaching at Loughborough Lightning for the rest of the current campaign after Saturday’s playing farewell.
England are looking to start a new cycle after their agonising 34-31 World Cup final defeat by hosts New Zealand in November, but the Red Roses have still found a way to honour one of their most impressive ever stars.
Simon Middleton will step down from his head coach role in the summer, after steering the Red Roses through one more Women’s Six Nations campaign.
The England boss hailed Hunter’s wide-ranging impact on both the Red Roses, and the women’s game as a whole.
“Sarah is the most honest and professional player I have ever known let alone worked with,” said Middleton.
“Throughout her career her commitment to being the best version of herself at every opportunity has shone through in her attention to detail and faultless preparation. She has maximised her potential, which puts her in a very special category.
“She’s an absolute inspiration for everybody who has played with her or worked with her, and is the ultimate example to every young person who would want to play.”
