Sarah Hunter Balances Motherhood and Coaching as England Prepares for WXV1 Tournament

In a significant development for the England women's rugby team, defence coach Sarah Hunter will not be making the trip to Canada for the upcoming WXV1 tournament. The announcement comes as she prepares for the birth of her first child, marking a new chapter in both her personal and professional life. Despite her impending motherhood, Hunter, who is the most capped England player of all time with an impressive 141 caps, will maintain her involvement with the squad from the United Kingdom. England head coach John Mitchell has confirmed that Nathan Catt, the pathway scrum coach, will step in to support the team's preparations on the ground, allowing Hunter to direct the coaching from afar. Mitchell acknowledged Hunter's eagerness to remain connected to the team, expressing his understanding of the challenges that come with becoming a parent. "She's very, very keen, but you also have to respect when you become a mum, things can change," he stated. Mitchell reassured fans that they are happy to provide Hunter with the necessary space during this transformative time in her life, while also hoping to see her engaged in World Cup preparations as early as possible. Hunter's announcement of her pregnancy over the summer brought excitement and joy, and she is determined to continue contributing to the team while managing her transition into motherhood. As the squad gears up for the WXV1, which runs from September 29 to October 13, Hunter will remain actively involved in preparations, particularly for the warm-up Tests against France and New Zealand. Mitchell has taken steps to ensure Hunter's safety during training, particularly due to her pregnancy, and has made provisions for her to coach from a distance. His commitment to maintaining a robust coaching strategy includes overseeing the backs himself while Catt manages the forwards. The team's unity and adaptability have been tested this summer, particularly with other personnel changes resulting from injuries, but Mitchell remains focused on steering the team forward. England captain Marlie Packer remarked on the continuity of Hunter's approach, despite her visible pregnancy. "She's got this growing bump and it really is growing," Packer noted, adding that Hunter's diligent work ethic remains unchanged. Support for the team continues to flow from Hunter, who has long been a vital figure in the Red Roses’ leadership structure. As the team prepares for a competitive WXV1 tournament, the camaraderie and resilience within the England squad will be essential. Hunter’s contributions, even from a distance, will undoubtedly play a significant role as the team aims to achieve success on the international stage.