Sarah Hunter MBE is an award-winning rugby player, Captain of the England Women's Rugby Team and popular rugby speaker. Winner of the 2016 World Rugby Women’s Player of the Year and the second most-capped England Women’s player of all time, she has proved herself to be a truly influential figure within the sport, representative of female empowerment. The Red Roses recent success has been credited to Sarah's determination, mental resilience and ability to produce high-performance teams - topics which she explores in-depth as a rugby speaker.
Though she started with Rugby League, Sarah soon found her feet as a Rugby Union player. While studying at Goathland Primary School, she picked up a rugby ball for the first time as a young girl, before playing in the Rugby League aged 9. Six years later, aged 15, Sarah then moved to Rugby Union, initially playing for the Lichfield Ladies from 2004 to 2015. Sarah is considered to be one of the pioneering players within the team, leading female representation in rugby. Having fully established herself as a formidable player, it wasn't long before another club, Bristol Ladies, reached out to her in 2015.
In 2007, Sarah started playing for the England Women's Rugby team. While playing for her country, she appeared at the 2010 England Women's Rugby World Cup. Her fearless performance ensured that England finished second in the tournament, and ensured that she was on the 2014 France Women's Rugby World Cup squad. It was this event where Sarah truly shone, driving England's 1st place success at the World Cup. Promoted to captain, she led England to victory at their three-Test tour of New Zealand in 2013 and the 2014 Women's Six Nations Championship. In 2017, Sarah captained England to the 2017 Ireland Women's Rugby World Cup final. Most notably, she ensured that England won the Grand Slam in the 2017 Women's Six Nations tournament.
As a testament for her dedication to sport, Sarah was appointed an MBE in 2015. She currently works as a University Rugby Development Officer, on top of captaining the Red Roses, reflecting her commitment to professional development. As a rugby speaker, Sarah reveals the secrets to her sporting success and how she earned 100 caps for her country. Popular and charismatic, Sarah's passion for success is infectious.
